Barbodes semifasciolatus
A cooler-water barb in metallic gold with black flecks, often confused with the China barb. Tolerates a wider temperature range than most tropicals, the right fish for an unheated room-temperature tank.
Gold Barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus) reaches 6–8 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 75 L. Native to Red River basin, China and Vietnam, it lives in the mid water column with a peaceful temperament. Aim for 18–24 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 4–6 years with good care. Keep gold barb in groups of 6+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore, Flake, sinking pellet, frozen daphnia, blanched veg. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Adults only (may nip shrimplets).
Care at a glance
A cooler-water barb in metallic gold with black flecks, often confused with the China barb. Tolerates a wider temperature range than most tropicals, the right fish for an unheated room-temperature tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether gold barb fits in your tank.
Mid
Yes
Group of 6+
Cyprinidae
Omnivore
Flake, sinking pellet, frozen daphnia, blanched veg.
4–6 yrs
Medium
Red River basin, China and Vietnam
Red River basin, China and Vietnam
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Gold Barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus) needs a minimum tank of 75 L. They live in the mid water column and should be kept in groups of 6+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 18–24 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Adults only (may nip shrimplets). Plant safety: Yes.
Gold Barb are omnivore. Flake, sinking pellet, frozen daphnia, blanched veg.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 1/5. Almost unkillable, a solid first-tank choice. Breeding difficulty: medium.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 4–6 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
