Golden Dwarf Barb

Pethia gelius

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

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of at least 8Intermediate

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

Need help with Golden Dwarf Barb?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2" (≤ 5.1 cm)
Aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 64–75°F (18–24°C)
pH: 6–7
GH: 1–10 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 6 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 8

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 6 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 18–24 °C, pH 6–7, GH 1–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Golden Dwarf 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.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 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: Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, India.

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 ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4.1 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata Same genus Same family Same temperament Beginner ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C) African Banded Barb Enteromius fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Black Ink Barb Barbodes bunau Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Blacknose Butterfly Barb Enteromius candens Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 63–75°F (17–24°C) Blue Danio Danio kerri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C)

FAQ

How large does Golden Dwarf Barb get?

Golden Dwarf Barb reaches ≤ 2" (≤ 5.1 cm).

What aquarium size does Golden Dwarf Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) 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 18 to 24 °C.

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

Golden Dwarf Barb: Keep in a school of at least 8.