Can tiger barbs live with jack dempseys?
Verdict
No
No. Tiger barbs and jack dempseys should not share a tank. An adult jack dempsey eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 3 inches tiger barbs do.
What to watch
- Deal breakerAn adult jack dempsey eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 3 inches tiger barbs do.
- Deal breakerJack dempseys are aggressive and much bigger than tiger barbs.
What works
- Both are fine at 72–81°F.
- pH 6.5–7.5 suits both.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Tiger barb | Jack Dempsey | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–81 °F | 72–86 °F |
| pH | 6–7.5 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Adult size | 3.0 in | 10.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 30 gal | 55 gal |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Aggressive |
| Swims at | Middle | Middle |
| Group | Groups of 6+ | Alone or in pairs |
| Diet | Omnivore | Carnivore |
Better tank mates for tiger barbs
Better tank mates for jack dempseys
Questions
Can tiger barbs live with jack dempseys?
No. Tiger barbs and jack dempseys should not share a tank. An adult jack dempsey eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 3 inches tiger barbs do.
What temperature suits both tiger barbs and jack dempseys?
72–81 °F. Tiger barbs need 72–81 °F, jack dempseys need 72–86 °F.
What size tank do tiger barbs and jack dempseys need together?
At least 55 gal, set by the jack dempsey. Add space for each extra fish.