Gold Barb

Barbodes semifasciolatus

Gold Barb is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of 8+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of 8+Beginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 7.5 cm (≤ 3 in)
Aquarium size: 100 L or larger / ≥ 90 cm (≥ 35.4 in) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 17–23 °C
pH: 6–8
GH: 2–10 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of 8+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 100 L or larger / ≥ 90 cm (≥ 35.4 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 17–23 °C, pH 6–8, GH 2–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Gold Barb is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 8+.

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. Keep in a school of 8+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Gold Barb should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Laos.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 100 L or larger / ≥ 90 cm (≥ 35.4 in) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of 8+.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Black Ink Barb Barbodes bunau Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 6 cm (≤ 2.4 in) 24–28 °C African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 6 cm (≤ 2.4 in) 21–26 °C Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.5 cm (≤ 1.8 in) 20–27 °C Black Barred Danio Danio absconditus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 17–26 °C Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 22–28 °C Blue Danio Danio kerri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.5 cm (≤ 1.8 in) 22–25 °C

FAQ

How large does Gold Barb get?

Gold Barb reaches ≤ 7.5 cm (≤ 3 in).

What aquarium size does Gold Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 100 L or larger / ≥ 90 cm (≥ 35.4 in) 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 17 to 23 °C.

Should Gold Barb be kept alone or in a group?

Gold Barb: Keep in a school of 8+.