Gold Barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus)
In addition to being very colourful and getting along with most tank mates, Gold Barbs, Barbodes semifasciolatus are hardy, peaceful fish that can handle a wide range of water parameters, making them ideal fish for beginner aquarists. However, if given a chance, these Barbs will nibble at the plants in planted aquariums, so it is best to avoid aquariums with a lot of plant life.
The shoaling nature of these fish makes it better to keep them in groups of at least six individuals. However, a larger group of these fish will make for a stunning display, and you'll be able to observe their fascinating behaviour.
As the Gold Barb prefers temperatures at the lower end of the tropical range, make sure other tankmates have the exact requirements. There should be a good oxygenation level and moderate current in the water, and it will need to be well-filtered.
There are short barbels at the corners of the mouth of the Gold Barb, which has a sloped back. Additionally, these Barbs have metallic yellowy-gold bodies; several dark vertical bars or blotches are visible along the fish's flanks and are a brassy or golden sheen underneath. Their backs are light to reddish brown, and their belly is whitish, turning orange-red when males are mating. The fins may be red in healthy specimens.
Due to the popularity of the gold form, the green version of this barb is rarely seen in the aquarium trade.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Barbodes semifasciolatus |
| Year Described | 1868 |
| Other Names | Chinese Barb, Green Barb, Schubert's Barb |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Barbodes |
| Origins | China, Laos, Taiwan, Vietnam |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 1 - 10 |
| TDS | 36 - 357 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 64 - 75℉ 17.8 - 23.9℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Gold Barb will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Tank Mates
1 interesting tank mate ideas for the Gold Barb could include:
Sexual Dimorphism
Identifying Gold Barbs by their sexes is relatively easy. Females are duller and have rounder stomachs than males, while males have brighter colours, streamlined bodies, and smaller bodies than females.