What size tank do gold barbs need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Barbodes semifasciolatus.
How many gold barbs in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if gold barbs are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many gold barbs |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | up to 9 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 13 |
| 55 gallon | up to 18 |
| 75 gallon | up to 24 |
| 125 gallon | up to 40 |
Check gold barbs against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, gold barbs hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for gold barbs
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Rubber lip pleco
- Zebra danio
- Peppered corydoras
- Hillstream loach
- Bloodfin tetra
- Dojo loach
- Panda corydoras
- Bronze corydoras
Poor matches
- Betta: Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Gold barb likes 64–75 °F (18–24 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as gold barb.
Questions and answers
What size tank do gold barbs need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many gold barbs should be kept together?
At least 6. Gold barbs are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can gold barbs live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Gold barb needs at least 30 gallons (114 liters).
What temperature do gold barbs need?
64–75 °F (18–24 °C), with a pH of 6–8. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can gold barbs live with a betta?
It is not a good match. Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Gold barb likes 64–75 °F (18–24 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
More fish
- Silver dollar
- Scissortail rasbora
- Lambchop rasbora
- Giant danio
- Golden pencilfish
- Japanese ricefish
- All 118 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.