Gold Barb care guide
Gold Barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus) — minimum tank 75 L, temperature 18-24 °C, pH 6-8.
Overview
The Gold Barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus) is a hardy cyprinid from East Asia and the source of the gold colour variant widely available in the trade. The species shows a stocky body with a partial dark vertical band and an overall metallic golden sheen.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Barbodes
- Scientific name: Barbodes semifasciolatus
- Common synonyms: Chinese Barb, Schuberti Barb
Habitat
Native to slow-flowing streams, ponds and rice paddies of south-eastern China, Taiwan and northern Vietnam, often in habitats with vegetation and submerged debris.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 75 L (19.8 US gal)
- Adult size: 5-7 cm
- Temperature: 18-24 °C (64-75 °F)
- pH: 6-8
- GH: 5-20 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
An omnivore. Offer flakes, pellets, blanched vegetables and small live or frozen foods.
Compatibility
A peaceful active schooling species best kept in a group of at least six. Compatible with other peaceful community fish; tolerates a wide temperature range from temperate to tropical.
Breeding
An egg-scatterer. Spawning is induced by warmer temperatures and conditioning; eggs are scattered over fine-leaved plants.