Gold Barb

The gold barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus) is the xanthic, or gold, form of the Chinese barb, a species from southern China and Vietnam. The body is a clear yellow-gold with a scattering of short dark marks along the lower flank, and males develop an orange-red flush along the belly and into the fins when they are in condition. It is bright without being gaudy, and it holds that colour under ordinary aquarium lighting rather than needing a specially lit tank.

Aquarium care

• Reaches about 7 cm.
• Peaceful for a barb and reliable in a mixed community.
• Keep six or more.
• Tolerates cooler water than most tropical species.
• Feeds and swims mainly in the middle and lower parts of the tank.
• Omnivorous: flake, sinking pellets, frozen foods and blanched vegetable matter.

A good match for danios, rosy barbs, larger tetras and corydoras, and a sensible choice for a room that runs on the cool side. Very small nano fish are better kept elsewhere, simply because of the size difference.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See the rest of the current barbs.