Large angelfish + smaller tiger barbs...

[Freezekougra]

I have 4 tiny tiger barbs with a relatively large angelfish(over half dollar) and they are ignoring each other. But I want to add a larger school of tiger barbs and I'm not sure if the tiger barbs will get worse once they grow. I know tiger barbs are notorious fin nippers, but it would be interesting to see if anyone has success with this mix. Maybe the larger angel will defend itself against tiger barbs? It's a standard fin angel if that matters.

 

[12 Volt Man]

impossible to say.

I have had a large school of tiger barbs in with fish that have long fins (adult severums) with no issues.

the barbs bothered each other only but never the other fish.

the thing is, just because it is working for you now, doesn't mean it will continue to work in your tank.

they could nip the angel quite easily all of a sudden.

the angel probably won't defend if they start nipping.

if I had to wager a guess, I would say I would try and make other arrangements.

you don't want to come home one day and see the angel all torn up.

in my case, I had to move the severum to this tank because it was being aggressive in my other tank and it was the only way I could keep it. it worked out, but it would not have been my first choice.

I just got lucky.

 

[cockroach]

^ I agree.

 

[syddakyd]

it can work believe it or not. angels are aggressive and tigers in a larger school are much more "chill". but it can also not work lol.

 

[Redearsunfish]

In my experience, they (barbs) tend to quibble amongst themselves only.

 

[dbcb314]

I haven't kept tigers, but with the other bars I have had, if you get a large enough school they only bother themselves. With smaller number, they tend to go pick on other tank mates.

Your results may very. Unless you really really like tiger barbs I would probably look into a less threatening schooling fish.