Gold Barb - Puntius Semifasciolatus

The Gold Barb, often incorrectly referred to as the "Schuberti" Barb, is the yellow form of B. semifasciolatus, which is actually a silvery-green coloured fish.

Origin:

Puntius semifasciolatus originate from Asia, South West China.

Tank Set Up:

Ideally the aquarium should be planted at the back and sides with an open swimming area in the centre. Gold Barbs will nibble at fine-leaved and soft-leaved plants, so choose plant species that are more robust, or else those that grow quickly. This species prefers temperatures at the lower end of the tropical range, so ensure that other tankmates have the same needs. The water should be well-filtered with a decent level of oxygenation and areas of moderate current. 

Diet:

Flake, green flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, daphnia etc. Will nibble at certain types of algae, and some aquatic plants.

Behavioural Traits:

Gold Barbs are a hardy, peaceful species which should be maintained in groups of 6 or more due to their shoaling nature.

Tank Mates:

Generally very peaceful making it an ideal resident of the well-researched community tank. 

Fishes inhabiting similar biotopes in nature, especially comparably-sized, peaceful cyprinids perhaps constitute the best choices but other potential options include balitorid, cobitid, and nemacheilid loaches as well as benthic cyprinids such as Crossocheilus and Garra species.

Try to buy a mixed-sex group of at least 8-10 specimens, include other schooling fishes to provide security, and you’ll be rewarded with a more natural-looking spectacle.