Gold Barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus)
The gold barb is a hardy, peaceful fish that can tolerate a vast range of water parameters; they are very colourful and get along with most tank mates, making it an ideal fish for beginners.
The gold barb has a sloped back and short barbels positioned at the corners of the mouth, it is mostly gold with small dark patches running along the lateral line of the body.
Healthy specimens may also have a red colouration on the fins.
The natural colour of this barb is green, but the green version is rarely seen in the aquarium trade due to the strong popularity of the gold form.
These species do not do very well in planted aquariums as they may nibble at the plants if given a chance, so best to avoid a lot of plants if possible.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Barbodes semifasciolatus |
| Other Names | Chinese Barb, Green Barb, Schubert's Barb |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Barbodes |
| Origins | Asia |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | No |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | up to 5 year |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 1 - 10 |
| Temperature | |
| 64 - 75℉ 17.8 - 23.9℃ | |
Natural Habitat
The Gold Barbs are native to the free-flowing freshwaters of the Red River basin in Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Southern China and the Mekong Basin.
You may also find them in places like Hong Kong, Taiwan, Uruguay, and Hawaii, where they have more than likely been purposely introduced.
Other Barbs of interest
What to feed the Gold Barb
Gold Barbs will accept any food that is available to them, feed them
High-quality flake foods, freeze-dried or frozen brine shrimp, bloodworm, and vegetables.
The solution is to add as much variety as possible to sustain your fish in good health.
How to Sex the Gold Barb
It is quite easy to determine the different sexes of these fish.
The females are much duller and larger than the males and have more rounded stomachs, whereas the males are brightly coloured, more streamlined and smaller than the females.
How to Breed the Gold Barb
Gold barbs are moderately easy to breed, you will need a separate breeding tank that is densely planted with fine-leafed plants such as java moss, you can also use Spawning mops or a mesh on the base of the aquarium to allow the eggs to fall through, where the parents can't reach them.
It would be better if you made sure there are lots of hiding spots for the female, as the male can be quite intrusive during the spawning process.
The Lights in the tank should be dimly lit, the water should be soft, and the PH should be relatively low, and the filter needs to be slow flowing.
You can attempt to spawn the fish in pairs, selecting the healthiest female and the most vibrant male, or groups with half a dozen of each sex, condition them with live foods for several days prior for the utmost success.
Once spawning has taken place, and the eggs have been laid, they should hatch a couple of days later.