Gold Barb

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Scientific Name

Puntius semifasciolatus

Min. Tank Size

30 gallons

Personality

Peaceful

Temperature

64-75°F

pH

6.0-8.0/5-20°dGH

Size

4"

Diet

Omnivore

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Other small Barbs and Cyprinids, Loaches, Rasboras, Danios, Tetras and Corydoras.

Gold Barb

Often referred to as Chinese Barbs, Gold Barbs are found in Taiwan and Vietnam as well as parts of southwestern China and northern Laos. These fish are found most often in tributaries and quickly-flowing streams though, in Vietnam, they have been found in small lakes as well. Gold Barbs have long, medium-sized bodies with arched backs and Barbels on the upper jaw. The bodies of Gold Barbs are typically light or reddish brown with a metallic gold or brassy sheen. Females of the species are often duller in coloration than the males.

Tank Set-Up

Gold Barbs are considered to be one of the hardiest species of Barb which makes them an excellent choice for beginners in the aquarium hobby. These fish are undemanding in regards to water quality, though they prefer high levels of oxygen and water flow. Gold Barbs thrive in groups with 8 to 10 of their own species and enjoy tanks ornamented with driftwood and live plants, though many plants will be unable to thrive in quickly-flowing water. Hardy species such as Java fern and Anubias may be able to tolerate turbulent water.

Feeding

This species is omnivorous by nature, feeding on crustaceans, insects and worms as well as plants and other organic matter. In the home aquarium, Gold Barbs are unfussy and should be offered a staple diet of quality dried flakes or granules. This diet should be supplemented with plenty of live and frozen foods like Daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworms. To encourage optimum health and coloration feed a varied diet on a regular basis.

Breeding

These fish are egg layers and are easily bred in either groups or pairs. Gold Barbs prefer breeding tanks decorated with fine-leaved plants on which to deposit their eggs. The water in the breeding tank should be kept at a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and the temperature should be maintained between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These fish are also likely to eat their own eggs and fry so it is best to remove them from the breeding tank following spawning.