Gold Barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus)
The Gold Barb is a bright, active freshwater schooling fish known for its golden-yellow body, peaceful temperament, and hardy nature. This colorful barb is a great choice for community aquariums, planted tanks, and beginner-friendly freshwater setups.
Gold Barbs add constant movement and cheerful color to the aquarium without becoming overly aggressive. Their golden body color stands out beautifully against green plants, dark substrate, driftwood, and natural aquarium decor.
Key Features
- Bright Golden Color: Eye-catching yellow-gold body with subtle markings.
- Active Schooling Fish: Best kept in groups for natural behavior and confidence.
- Hardy & Beginner-Friendly: Adapts well to a wide range of freshwater aquariums.
- Peaceful Community Fish: Works well with many similarly sized peaceful tank mates.
- Great for Planted Tanks: Looks beautiful in natural aquascapes with live plants and driftwood.
Gold Barb Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Barbodes semifasciolatus
- Common Name: Gold Barb
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful, active community fish
- Adult Size: About 2.5 to 3 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Recommended Group Size: 6 or more
- Temperature: 64–75°F
- pH Range: 6.0–8.0
- Diet: Omnivore
Tank Setup
Gold Barbs do best in an established freshwater aquarium with open swimming space, gentle to moderate water movement, and stable water conditions. They enjoy planted aquariums with areas to explore, but they should also have open space for active schooling behavior.
A natural setup with live plants, smooth rocks, driftwood, and darker substrate can help their golden color stand out. Because they are active swimmers, a tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended for a proper group.
Diet & Feeding
Gold Barbs are omnivores and are easy to feed. Offer a varied diet of quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen foods, freeze-dried foods, and occasional vegetable-based foods. A varied diet helps support color, activity, and overall condition.
Compatible Tank Mates
Gold Barbs are generally good community fish when kept in a proper group. Good tank mates include peaceful tetras, danios, rasboras, platies, mollies, swordtails, Corydoras, small plecos, rainbowfish, and other similarly sized peaceful fish.
Avoid housing Gold Barbs with very slow-moving long-finned fish or very tiny fish that may be stressed by their activity level.
Behavior
Gold Barbs are active, social fish that should be kept in groups of at least six. When kept alone or in very small groups, they may become shy or occasionally nippy. In a proper school, they are more confident, active, and enjoyable to watch.
Why Choose Gold Barbs?
Gold Barbs are a great choice for aquarists who want a hardy, colorful, and active schooling fish. Their bright golden color, peaceful nature, and easy care requirements make them a strong option for both beginner and experienced freshwater fish keepers.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Gold Barbs are available at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming. We offer healthy freshwater fish, aquarium supplies, live plants, and helpful guidance for building a successful community aquarium. Shipping is available to the lower 48 states when weather allows.
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