GOLD BARB

Golden Barbs

The hardy Golden Barb or Chinese barb, Puntius sachsi, is a species of cyprinid fish native to the Red River basin in southeast Asia. Ideal for beginners. The gold barb is an active, mildly aggressive schooling species that spends most of its time in the mid-level and bottom of the water. Its typical lifespan in captivity is around four to six years. This golden barb fish is often used in community tanks by fish-keeping hobbyists.

Are Golden Barbs a shoaling fish?
Yes, Gold Barbs are a shoaling barb, which will happily shoal. Pair with six or more Golden or similar barbs (like Rosy barbs) or barbs of a similar size to encourage active shoaling behavior.

What fish are ideal tank mates for Golden Barbs?
Several species can coexist as tank mates with the golden barb. In general, Rosy Barbs are very peaceful and do well in community tanks as long as you avoid long-finned fish to prevent fin-nipping behavior. House Rosy Barbs will happily live with cherry barbs, danios, dwarf gourami, neon and ember tetra, swordtails, and rope fish to name but a few.

Features
Approx. supplied size: 3-4cm / 1-2″
Maximum size: 8cm / 3″
Origin: Southeast Asia
Family: Cyprinidae
Temperament: semi-aggressive, may fin-nip
Ideal number kept together: 3+ (6+ for shoaling)

Water conditions
Our conditions: temp: 22 °C pH 7.5
Ideal pH: 6.0–8.0
Ideal hardness: 10 dGH
Ideal Temperature: 22–28 °C
Lighting: moderate to high

Ease of care
Easy. Golden barbs are generally peaceful, but they do have the tendency to fin-nip so avoid housing with slow-swimming long finned fish.

Diet
Omnivore. The main food we recommend would be a tropical fish flake. Occasional meaty live or frozen food can be given as a treat.

Compatibility
Community aquarium with caution – fin nippers.

Breeding
Moderate. Golden Barbs are egg layers. They will need a mature, dimly lit aquarium.

Life Span
Golden Gold Barbs can live for anything from 2-7 years in perfect condition.