Molly and Tiger Barb Compatibility Overview
Short answer: Yes. Both do well at 72-79°F. Match the tank size and group size in the table below and both should do well.
Molly and Tiger Barb can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Molly is peaceful and Tiger Barb is semi, so give them room and cover rather than assuming they will ignore each other. A minimum 55-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
| Factor | Molly | Tiger Barb | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 68–79°F | ✅ 72–79°F |
| pH Range | 7.5–8.5 | 6.0–8.0 | ⚠️ 7.5–8.0 (narrow) |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi | ⚠️ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 4 in | 2.75 in | ✅ Similar |
| Min. Group | 3+ | 6+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 55 gallons (for both species) | — | |
Compatibility Positives
Caution Points
Species Profiles
Molly — Poecilia sphenops
Hardy livebearers that prefer alkaline, hard water — sometimes slightly brackish. Prolific breeders; peaceful community fish.
Tiger Barb — Puntigrus tetrazona
Striking striped barbs that are notorious fin-nippers. Must be kept in groups of 6+ to redirect aggression within the school. Incompatible with long-finned fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Molly live with Tiger Barb?
Yes, in a well-planned setup. Molly and Tiger Barb can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Molly is peaceful and Tiger Barb is semi, so give them room and cover rather than assuming they will ignore each other. A minimum 55-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
What tank size do I need for Molly and Tiger Barb together?
A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for keeping Molly and Tiger Barb together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Molly and Tiger Barb?
72–79°F — inside Molly's 72–82°F and Tiger Barb's 68–79°F.
Is a Molly aggressive toward a Tiger Barb?
Molly is peaceful and Tiger Barb is semi. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.
More Good Tank Mates for Molly and Tiger Barb
The highest-scoring compatible partners for each species in our compatibility data.
For Molly
- Guppy — 96/100
- Platy — 92/100
- Swordtail — 89/100
- Electric Yellow Cichlid — 88/100
- Peacock Cichlid — 87/100
For Tiger Barb
- Bristlenose Pleco — 92/100
- Corydoras — 91/100
- Hillstream Loach — 91/100
- Panda Cory — 91/100
- Pearl Danio — 91/100
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Molly and Tiger Barb
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 55 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 75 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 125 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |