Can Tiger Barb live with Yucatan Molly?
Caution — with care
Why
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 15 dGH.
- Tiger Barb is semi-aggressive and may bully the peaceful Yucatan Molly — give lots of space and cover.
- Tiger Barb is a fin-nipper and will shred the long/flowing fins of Yucatan Molly.
- Yucatan Molly is large enough to threaten a small Tiger Barb — usually fine once both are adult, but watch new additions.
Sweet spot: both do well at 74–82°F and pH 7.5–8 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Tiger Barb | Yucatan Molly | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74–82°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6–8 | 7.5–8.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 4–15 dGH | 15–30 dGH |
| Adult size | 2.75" | 6" |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 20 gal | 40 gal |
Together, plan on at least 40 gallons.
How to make it work
- 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.
- Keep the nipper in a bigger group (8+) to spread out the nipping, and avoid long-finned tankmates.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Tiger Barb: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Yucatan Molly: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Live-animal shipping: add a heat pack below 50°F, expect weather holds above 90°F, and schedule delivery for a moderate week when someone can receive it promptly.
Build a full tank around this stocking →Everything compatible with Tiger Barb · …with Yucatan Molly