Care
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. This beautiful golden form is said to have originated in captivity and the "wild" form is now seldom seen in the aquatics trade. Gold Barbs are a hardy, peaceful species which should be maintained in groups of 6 or more due to their shoaling nature. 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.
As well as the standard gold form, a metallic and a tricoloured form may be seen .
Feeding
Flake, green flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, brineshrimp, daphnia etc. Will nibble at certain types of algae, and some aquatic plants.
Breeding
A separate breeding aquarium should be set up for this purpose, and you should ensure that it is of good length as the spawning of Gold Barbs can be a very active affair. The tank should be furnished with several large clumps of Java moss for the female to scatter her eggs over. Spawning is often triggered by a slight temperature rise and when the first rays of morning light hit the aquarium. The male will vigorously drive the female back and forth over the top of the plants, where she will scatter her eggs and they will be simultaneously fertilised by the male. Most of the eggs should fall to the relative safety of the moss, but be sure to remove the hungry parents as soon as spawning has finished as they will otherwise begin hunting out the eggs. The eggs will hatch within 24-36 hours.
