Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Gold Barb

Barbodes semifasciolatus

Also called Chinese barb, Green barb, Goldfinned barb, Schuberti barb

SpeciesShort profile

From East and Southeast Asia: southern China (including Hainan and the Red River basin), Vietnam, Taiwan and northern Laos; the gold colour form was bred in the United States1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length7 to 7.6 cm1 2 3

Lifespan4 to 6 years3

Sizesmall

Seriously Fish 7.5 cm SL, FishBase 7.6 cm TL, Wikipedia 7 cm; most stay nearer 3.5 cm

Wikipedia: typically four to six years in captivity

Peaceful

Hardy in cooler water

Bright golden colour

1 3

Looks how to spot one

Deep, arched-backed scaled cyprinid

A compact barb with a high, arched back and a pair of barbels on the upper jaw. The wild form is greenish-brown with a metallic green or yellow-green sheen and dark bars or spots, while the popular aquarium form is bright golden yellow with black markings. Mature males show red on the lower body.1 3

Coloursgoldmetallic green (wild form)black spots and barsred belly (males)albino and pink strains1 3

Personality what they are like

Generally very peaceful, it is a good fit for a well-planned community tank.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active schooling fish that likes to swim and forage near the bottom.1 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy to keep with regular partial water changes. It copes with cooler temperatures better than most tropical fish.1 3

Home where they are happiest

A tank with a base of at least 90 x 30 cm (about 81 litres); FishBase suggests at least 60 cm length. Temperature 16-24 °C, pH 6.0-8.0, hardness 2-20 °H. Plenty of plants suit it well.1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An omnivorous forager that eats algae, detritus, worms, insects and small crustaceans. Offer small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia alongside dried flakes.1 2

Company who they like around

Keep at least 8-10 together. Good companions are other peaceful cyprinids and loaches.1

The story where it all began

Albert Günther described the species in 1868. The golden form was developed by selective breeding in the 1960s by hobbyist Thomas Schubert of New Jersey, which is why it is sometimes sold as Barbus schuberti, a name that was never a real species.2 3 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The popular gold form was bred by a hobbyist, Thomas Schubert, in the 1960s.3
2
The name 'Barbus schuberti' honours its breeder but is not a valid scientific name.1
3
It breeds readily in outdoor ponds during the summer.3
4
It tends to spawn in the early morning hours.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Assessed as Least Concern (September 2011)2
FishBase: Described by Günther in 1868; highly commercial in the aquarium trade2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Gold Barb. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Gold Barb?

Feed your Gold Barb small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed daily, offering only what they can eat in a few minutes.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Gold Barb eat, and what should it never eat?

Gold Barbs are omnivores that enjoy algae, worms, insects, and small crustaceans. Offer high-quality dried flakes along with small live or frozen foods like bloodworm and Daphnia. Never feed them anything that could spoil the water, and always check with a vet for specific concerns.1 2

How much space does a Gold Barb need?

A Gold Barb needs a tank with a base of at least 90 x 30 cm (about 81 litres). FishBase suggests a minimum length of 60 cm, so a spacious tank is important for their active swimming.1 2

What temperature, light or water does a Gold Barb need?

Keep the water temperature between 16-24 °C, pH 6.0-8.0, and hardness 2-20 °H. They enjoy plenty of plants and moderate lighting, and they cope well with cooler temperatures.1 2

How often should I clean a Gold Barb's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change and glass cleaning, along with a monthly filter rinse using old tank water. Regular partial water changes keep them healthy.1 3 Pet Wiki plan

Can a Gold Barb live with others?

Yes, Gold Barbs are very peaceful and thrive in a community tank. Keep at least 8-10 together, and good companions include other peaceful cyprinids and loaches.1

How long does a Gold Barb live?

A Gold Barb typically lives 4 to 6 years with proper care. Providing a clean, well-maintained tank helps them reach their full lifespan.3

Can I handle a Gold Barb?

It is best not to handle Gold Barbs, as they are delicate fish that can be stressed by handling. Enjoy watching them swim and forage instead.1 3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Rosy Barb

Checker Barb

Cherry Barb

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

Seriously Fish - Barbodes semifasciolatus seriouslyfish.comused for origin, size, tank and water parameters, diet, behaviour, gold form history
FishBase - Barbodes semifasciolatus fishbase.seused for author/year, IUCN status, size, water parameters, diet, spawning time
Wikipedia - Gold Barb en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, lifespan, appearance, gold form breeding history, pond breeding

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.