Koi Golden Barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus 'Koi')

Koi Golden Barb Barbodes semifasciolatus 'Koi'
Name	Koi Golden Barb
Name Lat.	Barbodes semifasciolatus 'Koi'
Synonym	Puntius semifasciolatus
Family	Carps
Family lat.	Cyprinidae
Order	Carps
Order lat.	Cypriniformes
Origin	Southeast Asia (breeding variety)
Habitat	Tributaries, streams, lakes
Diet	Omnivore
pH	6.0-8.0
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Group
Care Level	Easy
Reproduction	Egg scatterer
Breeding	Simple
Life Span	4-6 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	7 cm
Temperature	18-25 °C
Hardness	5-20 °dH
Aquarium	~ 150 l
US Units
Size	2.8"
Temperature	64-77 °F
Hardness	89-356 ppm
Aquarium	~ 40 gal

Distribution and habitat

The Koi brocade barb is a breeding form of the brass barb. The brass barb is common in southeastern China from Hong Kong to Hainan Island. They live in tributaries, streams, lakes and residual ponds with roots, sand and gravel covered bottoms and dense riparian vegetation.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with hiding and retreat possibilities (roots, stones) and offer sufficient swimming space. With slightly shaded light (floating plants) and a dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) they show the most beautiful coloration.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as daphnia, moina, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen). In addition, they need regular plant food, such as algae leaves, algae wavers, scalded leafy and wild vegetables or dry food with high plant content (spirulina, kelp)

It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

They are lively but peaceful schooling fish that can be socialized well with other peaceful fish. A group of at least 5-10 animals should be kept together. In too small groups they usually remain shy and keep hidden

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements to the water condition and water temperature may be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

The males are significantly smaller, slimmer and more intensely colored than the more rounded appearing females.

Reproduction and breeding

They are free spawners. The male usually swims around (drifts) the female in the early morning, which spawns among fine-feathered plants. The larvae hatch after 24-48 hours and swim freely after 2-3 days. The parents do not engage in brood care and should be separated from the fry after spawning as they are spawn predators.

Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). Breeding is hardly possible in community tanks, as the spawn is easy prey.

Important

The foliage (e.g., sea almond leaves) encourages the development of microorganisms as it rots, providing a valuable secondary food source.

The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least fortnightly. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF