Golden Barbs?

[CandyCoated100]

Just wondering if you can keep Golden Barbs in a planted tank? Its just ive heard they eat plants.

 

[lljdma06]

Just wondering if you can keep Golden Barbs in a planted tank? Its just ive heard they eat plants.

Which gold barb?

Puntius gelius, Puntius semifasciolatus, or Puntius sachsii. All of which are called the gold or golden barb in a quick google search.

I have seen pictures of all three in a planted tank environment. Let me have a look at my Baensch Atlas when I get home from a concert tonight and I'll get back to you tomorrow. I've kept several barbs in planted tanks and have not noticed any eaten plants, but that could just be me.

llj

 

[CandyCoated100]

Puntius semifasciolatus

 

[lljdma06]

Puntius semifasciolatus

I do not foresee a problem with this fish. They, like cherry barbs and other barbs often nibble on algae on the leaves and may eat the occasional decaying or unhealthy leaf, but I have not seen these species physically attack plants.

P. semifasciolatus is often seen in planted setups and a planted tank with stretches of swimming space is often recommended for them. If you opted for these barbs and were still concerned, sticking with tough-leaves plants (anubias, cryptocorynes, java fern, bolbitis, etc) would be an option until you were certain that they did not eat the plants.

Beautiful fish, by the way. They will look very fine against the plants. If it were me, I would add them and not think much about it, but I've kept barbs before.

 

[CandyCoated100]

Thanks!! I already have Cherry Barbs and their fine.

 

[lljdma06]

Thanks!! I already have Cherry Barbs and their fine.

When you get to the larger species of barbs, like over 3-4 inches, then there can be problems with them just running into things and being destructive that way. They are an active fish group and the larger ones can get clumsy with their surroundings, but the small ones are great for planted tanks. At least that has been my experience.

Good luck!