Tiger barb vailtail (4 pcs)

Description

Size- small

The Tiger Barb Veiltail is a selectively bred variety of the classic Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona), featuring elegant, flowing fins that set it apart from the standard short-finned type. These fish are captivating due to their combination of bold stripes and graceful movements, making them a sought-after choice for aquarists.

Key Characteristics:

• Body Coloration:
  • Retains the iconic orange and black vertical stripes of the Tiger Barb, resembling a tiger’s coat.
  • Some variations may have albino, green, or gold morphs with veiltails.
• Fins:
  • The veiltail variety has long, flowing fins, adding an extra layer of elegance but also making them slightly less agile than their standard counterparts.
• Size:
  • Typically grows to about 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm).
• Lifespan:
  • 5–7 years with proper care.
• Temperament:
  • Active and semi-aggressive. They thrive in schools (6–8 or more), which helps to spread out their nippy behavior and establish a natural social hierarchy.

Habitat and Care:

• Tank Size:
  • A minimum of 20 gallons for a small school, but 30 gallons or more is better for their active swimming behavior.
• Water Conditions:
  • Temperature: 74–79°F (23–26°C).
  • pH: 6.0–7.5.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (5–15 dGH).
• Diet:
  • Omnivorous. Provide a varied diet of:
    • High-quality flakes or pellets.
    • Frozen/live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
    • Occasional vegetables like blanched zucchini or spinach.
• Tank Setup:
  • Include plants, driftwood, and rocks to create hiding spaces and a natural feel.
  • Use a dark substrate to enhance their vibrant colors.
  • Leave open swimming areas to accommodate their active nature.

Special Considerations for Veiltail Variety:

• Tankmates:
  • Avoid fin-nipping species like Serpae Tetras.
  • Good companions include other Tiger Barbs, larger Tetras (like Congo Tetras), Danios, or peaceful bottom dwellers like Corydoras.
• Water Flow:
  • Moderate water flow. Their longer fins can make swimming against strong currents more challenging.
• Fin Health:
  • Veiltail varieties are more prone to fin damage and infections, so maintaining pristine water quality is crucial.

Breeding:

• Reproductive Behavior:
  • Like other Tiger Barbs, veiltails are egg scatterers. A male and female will spawn over fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop.
• Breeding Tank:
  • Set up a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water and fine-leaved plants.
  • Remove adults post-spawning, as they will eat the eggs.
• Fry Care:
  • Feed the fry with infusoria or liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat baby brine shrimp or crushed flakes.