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.
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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.
Weighing it against something similar? Compare Gold Barb head to head:
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.
