Chinese Barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus)

Family: Cyprinidae

A peaceful omnivore cyprinidae from South China and northern Vietnam — beginner-friendly.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 18–24 °C
pH: 6–8
GH hardness: 5–19 dGH
Adult length: 5.3–7.6 cm
Minimum tank: 90 L
Water layer: Mid-water swimmer; keep 5+
Difficulty: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Origin: 中国华南、越南北部

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species: Barbodes semifasciolatus lives mid-water swimmer; keep 5+ over cool, fast, oxygen-rich mountain streams. Semi-aggressive. Adults reach 5.3–7.6 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Barbodes species we profile, alongside Barbodes wynaadensis, Barbodes binotatus.

Native biotope

Habitat: Cool, fast, oxygen-rich mountain streams
Flow: Moderate flow
Dissolved O₂: Average oxygen needs

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate: Gravel
Hardscape: Driftwood, water-worn stones and shelters that mimic the native biotope
Plants: Hardy plants on hardscape; keep the floor open

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling: Keep 5+; larger groups settle better
Diet: Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety
Recommended tankmates: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs
China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs
Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with: Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk
Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: 雄鱼体型瘦长、婚姻色更明显
Breeding method: Egg-scatterer over fine plants; 雨季升温换水刺激产卵

Frequently asked questions

Is Chinese Barb easy to keep?

Difficulty: easy. Semi-aggressive. Keep 5+; larger groups settle better.

What temperature and water chemistry does Chinese Barb need?

Aim for 18–24 °C. Unheated or lightly heated; guard against summer heat; 18–24 °C recorded range.

How big does Chinese Barb get, and what tank size?

Full size is 5.3–7.6 cm. Minimum tank: 90 L, with open swimming space along its mid-water swimmer; keep 5+ habits.

What does Chinese Barb eat?

Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Chinese Barb live with other fish?

Semi-aggressive. Recommended tankmates: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.

Where does Chinese Barb come from?

Comes from 中国华南、越南北部: cool, fast, oxygen-rich mountain streams. Expect moderate flow and average oxygen needs.

Does Chinese Barb jump?

It can jump when startled — keep the tank tightly covered, especially at night and during maintenance.

How does Chinese Barb breed?

In the aquarium: egg-scatterer over fine plants; 雨季升温换水刺激产卵. 雄鱼体型瘦长、婚姻色更明显.