Can tiger barbs live with red tail sharks?
Verdict
Yes
Yes, tiger barbs and red tail sharks can live together. Both are fine at 72–79°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.
Why it works
- Both are fine at 72–79°F.
- pH 6.5–7.5 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: tiger barbs the mid, red tail sharks the bottom.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Tiger barb | Red tail shark | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–81 °F | 72–79 °F |
| pH | 6–7.5 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Adult size | 3.0 in | 5.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 30 gal | 55 gal |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Semi-aggressive |
| Swims at | Middle | Bottom |
| Group | Groups of 6+ | One per tank |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for tiger barbs
Better tank mates for red tail sharks
Questions
Can tiger barbs live with red tail sharks?
Yes, tiger barbs and red tail sharks can live together. Both are fine at 72–79°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.
What temperature suits both tiger barbs and red tail sharks?
72–79 °F. Tiger barbs need 72–81 °F, red tail sharks need 72–79 °F.
What size tank do tiger barbs and red tail sharks need together?
At least 55 gal, set by the red tail shark. Add space for each extra fish.