Golden Dwarf Barb

Pethia gelius

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

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of 8+Intermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in)
Aquarium size
54 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length
Care level
Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Middle to top swimmer
Temperature
20–25 °C
pH
5.5–6.5
GH
8–15 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 6 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 8+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 6 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 54 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–25 °C, pH 5.5–6.5, GH 8–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Golden Dwarf 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, Golden Dwarf Barb should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, India.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 54 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 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.

Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.5 cm (≤ 1.8 in) 20–27 °C Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata Same genus Same family 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 African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 6 cm (≤ 2.4 in) 21–26 °C Black Ink Barb Barbodes bunau Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 6 cm (≤ 2.4 in) 24–28 °C Black-belt Tetra Hemigrammus kuroobi Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 24–28 °C

FAQ

How large does Golden Dwarf Barb get?

Golden Dwarf Barb reaches ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in).

What aquarium size does Golden Dwarf Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 54 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length.

Is Golden Dwarf Barb peaceful?

Yes. Golden Dwarf 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 Golden Dwarf Barb?

Keep it between 20 to 25 °C.

Should Golden Dwarf Barb be kept alone or in a group?

Golden Dwarf Barb: Keep in a school of 8+.

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