Gold Barb
Barbodes semifasciolatus
Synonyms Golden barb · Chinese barb
Gold Barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 7.5 cm (3 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 61–75°F (16–24°C) and pH 6–8, is kept in groups of 8 or more, and needs a tank of at least 81 L (21 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 7.5 cm (3 in) |
| Minimum tank | 81 L (21 gal) |
| Group size | 8 or more |
| Temperature | 61–75°F (16–24°C) |
| pH | 6–8 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Lifespan | 5–7 years |
Before it goes in
- Gold Barb needs at least 81 L (21 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 60H Tall.
- Keep 8 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Axolotl, Oscar and Clown Loach: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 61–75°F (16–24°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with German Blue Ram and Discus.
- It eats soft-leaved plants. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Bacopa caroliniana will not last with it; tough-leaved Anubias nana 'Petite' and Marimo Moss Ball will.
- A group of 8 takes up roughly 114% of what a 60H Tall will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 81 L (21 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 60H Tall.
How many should I keep?
8 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
What water does it want?
61–75°F (16–24°C), pH 6–8.
How long does it live?
5–7 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
- Plants that hold up with it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Marimo Moss Ball, Subwassertang and Anubias barteri.
Often compared with
| Gold Barb | Odessa Barb | Tiger Barb | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 7.5 cm | 7 cm | 7 cm |
| Min tank | 81 L | 80 L | 80 L |
| Group | 8+ | 8+ | 8+ |
| Temperature | 61–75°F (16–24°C) | 64–77°F (18–25°C) | 72–81°F (22–27°C) |