Gold Barb
Barbodes semifasciolatus
Gold Barb is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 8.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Gold Barb?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Beginner – Intermediate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Middle to top swimmer
- Temperature
- 61–75°F (16–24°C)
- pH
- 6–8
- GH
- 2–20 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 5 years
- Group behavior
- Keep in a school of at least 8
Care requirements
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.
Lifespan: up to 5 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 16–24 °C, pH 6–8, GH 2–20 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Gold Barb is peaceful and suits calm community fish.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Gold Barb should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Feed varied small live/frozen foods plus quality dried foods containing some plant or algal matter.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
- Make room for its social group.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Keep in a school of at least 8.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Laos.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Gold Barb get?
Gold Barb reaches ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm).
What aquarium size does Gold Barb need?
Use an aquarium of at least 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Is Gold Barb peaceful?
Yes. Gold Barb is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.
What temperature is suitable for Gold Barb?
Keep it between 16 to 24 °C.
Should Gold Barb be kept alone or in a group?
Gold Barb: Keep in a school of at least 8.
