Gold Barb

Basics

Scientific Name: Puntius sachsii ; Barbodes semifasciolatus

Family: Cyprinidae

Origin: Tank raised, species originally from Asia

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Lifespan: 3-5 years
• Water Conditions: 74-82° F, KH 4-10, pH 6.0-7.0
• Maximum Size: 3"
• Diet: Omnivore
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Overview

The Gold Barb has a beautiful, shining gold body coloration with a few black markings down its sides. They may have a few other small black patches but the majority of their body is the gold color from which their common name is derived. Mature adults will also have red-orange finnage. 

They may nip at longer finned tankmates so they should not be housed with fish with flowing, delicate fins, but they will get along with most other fish and are a good choice for community tanks. They will be happiest in groups of 6 or more. 

Gold Barbs will eat a variety of flake, pellet, live, freeze dried and frozen foods and aren't picky eaters.