[3] Tiger barbs are also found in many other parts of Asia, and with little reliable collection data over long periods of time, definite conclusions about their natural geographic range versus established introductions are difficult.

Native fish are silver to brownish yellow with four vertical black stripes and red fins and snout.

Tiger barbs have been reported to be found in clear or turbid shallow waters of moderately flowing streams.

When exposed to decreased temperature levels, the Tiger barb fish experiences a change in body color.

When the water temperature drops to 21 °C, both the male and the female fish were observed to have a decayed body color.

Barbs that have been selectively bred to emphasize bright color combinations have grown in popularity and production over the last 20 years.[when?]

They are thus not recommended for tanks with slower, more peaceful fishes such as bettas, gouramis, angelfish and others with long, flowing fins.

When in large enough groups, however, they tend to spend most of their time chasing each other and leave other species of fish alone.

Interspecific and intraspecific hybridization is done to achieve different colors and patterns to satisfy market demand for new tiger barb varieties.