Golden Barb fish are popular among aquarium keepers due to their beauty and peaceful nature. They thrive with compatible tank mates, which is why we present suitable options for your Golden Barb community tank.
Rummynose Tetras
Rummynose Tetras are a fantastic choice as tank mates for Golden Barbs due to their vibrant red-head coloration and peaceful temperament. They’re schooling fish, so it’s best to keep them in a group of at least six. Rummynose Tetras are quite hardy, making them suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. Here’s a quick summary of their requirements and characteristics:
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; high-quality flake or pellet food along with freeze-dried or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms
- Adult Size: 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm)
Cherry Barbs
Cherry Barbs are another excellent choice for Golden Barb tank mates, thanks to their striking appearance and peaceful nature. They’re social fish, so it’s recommended to keep them in groups of at least six. Cherry Barbs are adaptable to various water conditions, making them an ideal option for beginners and experienced aquarists. Here’s a summary of their requirements and traits:
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; small pellet or flake food, supplemented with frozen and live foods like daphnia and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm)
Zebra Danios
Zebra Danios are a popular and lively option as tank mates for Golden Barbs. With their distinct striped pattern and active swimming behavior, they make an excellent addition to a community aquarium. Zebra Danios are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of six or more. They are hardy and adaptable, perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists. Here’s an overview of their needs and characteristics:
- Compatibility: 5 out of 5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; high-quality flake or pellet food, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia
- Adult Size: 2-2.5 inches (5-6 cm)
Dwarf Gouramis
Dwarf Gouramis are mesmerizing and beautifully colored fish that can coexist peacefully with Golden Barbs. They are relatively calm but can be territorial towards their own species, so maintain only one male in a tank. Dwarf Gouramis are hardy fish, perfect for aquarists of all skill levels. Here’s a summary of their requirements and traits:
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 15 gallons (57 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful but may be territorial with their own species
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; high-quality flake or pellet food combined with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
- Adult Size: 2-3.5 inches (5-9 cm)
Neon Tetras
Neon Tetras are incredibly popular aquarium fish known for their stunning colors and peaceful demeanor, making them suitable tank mates for Golden Barbs. They are schooling fish that thrive in groups of six or more, and their vibrant blue and red stripes create an eye-catching display in any aquarium. Here’s a quick overview of their requirements and traits:
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; high-quality flake or pellet food, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
- Adult Size: 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm)
Black Neon Tetras
Black Neon Tetras are an attractive and underrated aquarium fish that make excellent tank mates for Golden Barbs. They display captivating black stripes and neon-blue coloring, adding visual interest to any community tank. Black Neon Tetras are schooling fish that do best in groups of six or more. Here’s a summary of their needs and characteristics:
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; high-quality flake or pellet food, along with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
- Adult Size: 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm)
Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin Rasboras are admired for their unique appearance and peaceful behavior, making them ideal tank mates for Golden Barbs. With orange-silver bodies and a distinct black triangular patch, they add variety and color to any community tank. As social fish, they thrive in groups of six or more. Here’s an overview of their requirements and traits:
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; high-quality flake or pellet food, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
- Adult Size: 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm)
Rosy Barbs
Rosy Barbs are vibrant and active fish with shimmering, rosy-pink coloration that make them striking companions for Golden Barbs. They enjoy swimming with larger schools, preferably with at least six individuals. Rosy Barbs are hardy fish and suitable for aquarists of all experience levels. Here’s a summary of their requirements and characteristics:
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters) minimum due to their larger size
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; high-quality flake or pellet food, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms
- Adult Size: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
White Cloud Minnows
White Cloud Minnows are small, hardy, and peaceful fish that make excellent tank mates for Golden Barbs. Their silver body sprinkled with golden hues and red fins create a striking appearance in any community tank. As schooling fish, it’s best to keep them in groups of six or more. Here’s a rundown of their requirements and traits:
- Compatibility: 5 out of 5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; high-quality flake or pellet food, along with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
- Adult Size: 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm)
Ember Tetras
Ember Tetras are petite yet brilliantly colored fish that make for wonderful tank mates alongside Golden Barbs. Their fiery red-orange hues add a touch of vibrancy to any community tank. Like other Tetra species, they thrive in schools of six or more. Ember Tetras are hardy and adaptable, suitable for aquarists at any skill level. Here’s an overview of their needs and characteristics:
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; high-quality flake or pellet food, with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
- Adult Size: 0.8-1 inch (2-2.5 cm)
Kuhli Loaches
Kuhli Loaches are fascinating eel-like creatures that can coexist harmoniously with Golden Barbs. Their slim, elongated bodies and unique appearance make them an interesting addition to any aquarium. Kuhli Loaches are nocturnal but can occasionally be seen exploring during the day. Here’s a summary of their requirements and traits:
- Compatibility: 5 out of 5
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful and shy
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; sinking pellets, live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, as well as scavenging uneaten food
- Adult Size: 3-5 inches (8-12 cm)
Siamese Algae Eater
Siamese Algae Eaters are not only compatible with Golden Barbs, but they also contribute to a cleaner tank environment. Known for their algae-consuming abilities, these fish are helpful in maintaining a healthy aquarium. Siamese Algae Eaters are peaceful and active companions that enjoy a well-planted tank. Here’s an overview of their needs and characteristics:
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters) minimum due to their active nature
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; high-quality pellet or flake food, algae wafers, and additional algae or vegetables like spinach and zucchini
- Adult Size: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Bristlenose Pleco
Bristlenose Plecos are captivating bottom-dwellers that make great tank mates for Golden Barbs. With their unique appearance, bristle-like whiskers, and helpful algae-eating habits, they contribute both variety and functionality to an aquarium. Bristlenose Plecos are hardy fish that benefit from a well-planted tank with various hiding spots. Here’s a summary of their requirements and traits:
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful and shy
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; algae wafers, sinking pellet or flake food, fresh vegetables like cucumber, zucchini, and spinach
- Adult Size: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus Catfish are small, peaceful, and hardworking bottom-dwellers that make excellent tank mates for Golden Barbs. Their exceptional algae-eating capabilities help maintain a clean and healthy tank. Otocinclus Catfish enjoy well-planted aquariums with various hiding spots and like to be kept in groups of at least three. Here’s an overview of their needs and characteristics:
- Compatibility: 5 out of 5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful and shy
- Diet & Feeding: Herbivore; primarily algae, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, and cucumber
- Adult Size: 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm)
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras Catfish are charming and lively bottom-dwellers that make peaceful tank mates for Golden Barbs. These friendly little fish sport an array of unique patterns and colors and love to forage together in groups of at least six. Corydoras Catfish are hardy and suitable for aquarium hobbyists of all experience levels. Here’s a quick summary of their requirements and traits:
- Compatibility: 5 out of 5
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful and social
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; sinking pellet or flake food, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
- Adult Size: 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm), depending on species
Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish are an assortment of beautifully colored species that can make stunning tank mates for Golden Barbs. Their vibrant hues and shimmering scales create a captivating visual display in a community aquarium. Rainbowfish enjoy swimming in groups and are relatively easy to care for in well-planted tanks. Here’s a summary of their requirements and characteristics:
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters) minimum, depending on species
- Care Level: Easy to moderate, depending on species
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; high-quality flake or pellet food, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
- Adult Size: 2-6 inches (5-15 cm), depending on species
Swordtails
Swordtails are remarkable livebearers known for their elongated, sword-like tails, and they make lively tank mates for Golden Barbs. Their wide variety of colors and patterns adds diversity to a community aquarium. Swordtails are hardy fish that require a spacious, well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots. Here’s an overview of their needs and traits:
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5, as they can be mildly aggressive towards smaller fish
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Generally peaceful but can be mildly aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; high-quality flake or pellet food, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms
- Adult Size: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)