Gold Barb
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Gold
Barb
Puntius
semifasciolatus
Max.
size: 7cm
/ 2.8inches
pH
range:
6 – 8
dH
range:
5-19
Temperature
range:
18 – 24°C / 64.5 – 75°F
Care
Moderate
Common names-
Gold Finned Barb, Golden Barb, China
Barb
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Photo
Wikipedia
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The Gold Barb
is a popular fish amongst aquarium
keepers. Living between four and six years they
originate from the sub-tropical parts of South
East Asia and is exclusively native to China,
Laos and Vietnam although it has now been
introduced to other countries The Bright
colours of the Gold Barb and their active
personality add charm to any aquarium.
This coupled with their ease of care makes the
Gold Barb an ideal fish for beginners and
experts alike.
Gold
Barb are shoaling fish and should ideally
be kept in groups of at least six. Living
up to six years in age they are docile fish
that make a good addition to a community tank
when paired with fish with similar
personalities and care needs.
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It is known by several
different names, most commonly referred to in the USA as the
China barb.
The Gold Barb belongs to the
minnow family, and is a medium long barb. Its body has a
complete lateral line and the last simple dorsal ray is
serrated. It has a pair of barbels located at the corners of
the mouth on the upper jaw. The female tends to be duller than the male
and bulkier. During the breeding period, the male golden barb's
belly will change colour to a vivid orange.
They are mid to bottom level fish
and need a tank of around fifteen gallons or more to be kept
happily.
They are very active fish and need
plenty of open space with plenty of plants at the back and
sides of the aquarium as well as a strong current to mimic
their natural conditions .
Wild Gold Barbs are omnivorous and
have a mixed diet. In captivity they will accept a wide
range of food. You can use a high quality tropical flake food
and supplement it with live worms, and small pieces of boiled
vegetables.
The Gold Barb will breed readily
and may spawn several times a year with spawning being
triggered by early morning sun. They scatter their eggs
and the young will be eaten by mature fish unless you take
measures to prevent this.
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