The Best Food for Tiger Barbs

Tiger barbs are a popular, freshwater aquarium fish. They grow from 2 to 3 inches long and are considered shoaling fish, meaning they are best suited in schools of five fish or more. Tiger barbs are omnivores, and it is very important to feed them a mixed diet of both meats and vegetables.

  1. Flake Food

    • Traditional flake fish food can be used as the base for a tiger barb̵7;s diet. Vegetable-based flake food or a high-quality flake food for tropical fish is a suitable option.

    Vegetables

    • Tiger barbs possess an appetite for boiled vegetables. Peas, lettuce and zucchini are ideal options from which to choose.

    Worms

    • Supplement a tiger barb̵7;s diet with small, live worms. These include bloodworms, glass worms, mealworms and tubifex (sludge or sewage worms).

    Crustaceans

    • Small crustaceans can also be used in the tiger barb̵7;s omnivorous diet. Ideal specimens include brine shrimp and daphnia (̶0;water fleas,̶1; or small freshwater crustaceans).

    Freeze-Dried Food

    • Pet stores provide a variety of freeze-dried fish food to supplement a tropical fish̵7;s diet. Options include sludge worms, water fleas, bloodworms and brine shrimp. These can be used in place of live specimens.