Can Siamese Algae Eater live with Tiger Barb?
Caution — with care
Why
- Tiger Barb is a fin-nipper and will shred the long/flowing fins of Siamese Algae Eater.
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 6–7.5 dGH.
- Tiger Barb is semi-aggressive — give the peaceful Siamese Algae Eater plenty of space, cover and broken sight lines.
Sweet spot: both do well at 74–79°F and pH 6.5–7.6 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Siamese Algae Eater | Tiger Barb | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–79°F | 74–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.6 | 6–8 |
| Hardness (GH) | 6–7.5 dGH | 4–15 dGH |
| Adult size | 6" | 2.75" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Min tank | 30 gal | 20 gal |
Together, plan on at least 30 gallons.
How to make it work
- Keep the nipper in a bigger group (8+) to spread out the nipping, and avoid long-finned tankmates.
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
- Use a larger, well-decorated tank with sightline breaks, keep everyone well-fed, and add the calmer fish first.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser
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Design a tank with Siamese Algae Eater, Tiger Barb →Everything compatible with Siamese Algae Eater · …with Tiger Barb