The Green Tiger Barb Balloon / Short Body Long Fin (Puntigrus tetrazona) is an ornamental selective breeding variety that combines three distinct mutations in a single fish: an iridescent green coloration (moss green), a compact/rounded body (balloon), and long, flowing fins (long fin).
General Overview
Parameter | Details |
Scientific Name | Puntigrus tetrazona (var. Green Balloon Long Fin) |
Common Name | Green Tiger Barb Balloon Long Fin, Green Tiger Barb Short Body |
Origin | Captive selective breeding (Base species native to Indonesia / SE Asia) |
Adult Size | 1.8 – 2.4 inches (4.5 – 6 cm) |
Lifespan | 4 – 6 years |
Temperament | Semi-aggressive / Highly active (Schooling fish) |
Aquarium Level | Mid-water |
Water Parameters
Temperature: 75 °F – 82 °F (24 °C – 28 °C)
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Hardness (GH): 5 – 12 °dGH
TDS: 150 – 250 ppm
Tank Setup & Care
Tank Size
Minimum: 20–25 gallons (80–100 liters). Although the balloon body shape is shorter, they still require plenty of horizontal swimming space.
Behavior & Schooling
Must be kept in groups of at least 8 to 10 individuals. When kept in a large school, they focus their social hierarchy within the group, significantly reducing aggression toward other tank mates.
The long fin trait makes them slightly slower swimmers than standard tiger barbs, but they retain their lively and inquisitive temperament.
Tank Mates
Recommended: Loaches (e.g., Clown Loach), bottom-dwelling catfish (Corydoras, Plecos), and robust, fast-swimming tetras or rasboras.
Incompatible: Slow-moving or long-finned fish (Bettas, Angelfish, Guppies), as the barbs will nip their fins and outcompete them for food.
Note for Balloon / Long Fin Varieties: Due to their compacted body shape, their digestive tract is more compressed and sensitive. Additionally, avoid overly strong currents in the aquarium so they do not tire themselves out swimming with long fins.
Diet & Feeding
They are omnivorous and eager feeders:
Staple: High-protein flakes or slow-sinking pellets.
Live/Frozen Treats: Artemia (Brine Shrimp), Daphnia, Bloodworms, or Tubifex.
Vegetable Matter: Spirulina-based foods or blanched, shelled peas once or twice a week to prevent constipation and bloating (especially crucial for balloon body shapes).