The popular name tiger barb given to this species is  due to presence of four vertical stripes on a silvery body in juvenile stages. As the fish grows, three of the bands disappear and the fourth is converted in to a horizontal oval spot on the caudal peduncle. Body elongated and dorsal fin inserted in mid of snout and caudal peduncle. It is a beautiful fish that shows different colour patterns at different stages of life. Fins delicate and yellow-greenish in colour. Dorsal fin rays partly dark violet. It is a hardy fish and require aerated water in the aquarium. Highly compatible species, very active and moves along all parts of the aquarium. The fish is basically herbivorous but readily accepts artificial feeds. Males can be identified during breeding season with having few rays of the dorsal fin elongated, tubercles over the snout and bright body colouration. Females have a bulged belly when fully mature. It has been successfully bred in captivity.