Gold Barb – Barbodes semifasciolatus

Scientific Name: Barbodes semifasciolatus
Common Names: Gold Barb, Golden Barb
Also Sold As: Puntius sachsii

The Gold Barb is a hardy and colorful freshwater schooling fish known for its bright golden-yellow body, subtle red-orange fins, and scattered dark markings. Active without being overly aggressive, Gold Barbs are an excellent choice for aquarists looking to add movement and warm coloration to a planted or community aquarium.

The Gold Barb commonly seen in the aquarium hobby is a selectively bred golden form of Barbodes semifasciolatus. The species has historically been sold under several scientific names, including Puntius sachsii and Puntius semifasciolatus, which may still appear in the aquarium trade.

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful / Active
Adult Size: Approximately 2.5–3 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperature: Approximately 64–75°F
pH: Approximately 6.0–8.0
Diet: Omnivore
Recommended Group Size: 6 or more

Recommended Setup: Gold Barbs thrive in a well-filtered aquarium with plenty of open swimming space combined with plants, driftwood, rocks, and other structure. They tolerate somewhat cooler water than many tropical aquarium species, making temperature compatibility an important consideration when selecting tankmates.

Feed a varied diet of high-quality flakes, small pellets, and other appropriately sized prepared foods. Frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia can be offered alongside foods containing vegetable matter for a balanced diet.

Behavior & Tankmates: Gold Barbs are social schooling fish and are best maintained in groups of at least 6. They are generally peaceful and work well with other appropriately sized community species that share similar water requirements. Keeping a proper group encourages natural social behavior and creates a more active, attractive display.

Please Note: Coloration, markings, size, and sex naturally vary between individual fish. Younger specimens may display less intense golden coloration than mature adults, and the fish you receive may differ slightly from the individual pictured.

Available Quantities: Individual fish and discounted group options are available. For their long-term well-being, we recommend keeping Gold Barbs in a group of 6 or more.

All livestock from Felipe’s Fish is carefully selected and prepared for safe transport. Please review our shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee policies before ordering.