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Gold barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus)
Photo: Nguyen DInh Tao · CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Gold barb

Barbodes semifasciolatus · Cyprinidae

Also known as Chinese barb, Schuberti barb

Beginner

A hardy golden barb that thrives in unheated tanks and eats almost anything.

Minimum tank
110 L
Temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6–8
Adult size
7 cm
Group size
6+
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Care requirements
Minimum tank volume
110 L
Temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6–8
Hardness
5–20 dGH
Lifespan
4–6 years
Diet
Omnivore — flake, pellets, greens, frozen foods.
Care level
Beginner
Origin & habitat
Native region
Southern China and Vietnam
Water type
Freshwater
Biotope
Slow streams and ponds
Natural conditions
Wide tolerance; happiest cool.
Behaviour & stocking
Temperament
Peaceful
Minimum group
6 fish
Swims
Mid-water
Good tank mates
White cloud mountain minnow
Danios
Loaches
Avoid
Discus-warm tanks
Delicate long fins
Breeding & difficulty
Breeding difficulty
Beginner
Sexing
Males are redder along the belly.
Notes
Prolific egg scatterer.
Common ailments
Ich
Overfeeding obesity

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