Gold Barb
Gold Barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus) is a classic and reliable aquarium barb with a warm golden-yellow to green-gold body and faint dark markings along the flanks. The gold color morph, developed through selective breeding, has a richer, more uniform golden tone than the wild-type green form. A hardy, active, and peaceable schooling fish that has been a staple of the aquarium hobby for decades.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets and Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms or Hikari Vibra Bites. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
Originally from southeastern China and Vietnam, the wild-type green form has been selectively bred to the warm gold color morph widely available in the trade. Inhabits slow to moderately flowing streams and rivers. Tolerates a wide range of water conditions, including cooler temperatures — one of the more versatile barbs.
Keep in groups of at least six. Active, peaceful, and an excellent community fish with other similarly sized, non-aggressive species. Not a fin-nipper. Tolerates slightly cooler water than most tropical barbs, making it suitable for unheated or lightly heated setups in temperate climates.
Egg-scatterer. The Gold Barb is the definition of a reliable, low-maintenance community fish — its warm coloration, active schooling behavior, and broad tolerance of water conditions make it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — community |
| Typical Adult Size | 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 6 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 64–75°F (18–24°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets; Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Vibra Bites; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Southeastern China and Vietnam (captive-bred color strain) |
| Notes | Captive-bred gold color morph of wild green-type. Tolerates cooler water — suitable for unheated setups. Hardy and beginner-friendly. Peaceful. |
