Can gold barbs live with hatchetfish?
Verdict
Yes, with care
Yes, with care. Gold barbs and hatchetfish can share a tank, but watch one thing. They only share 75°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.
What to watch
- Watch outThey only share 75°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.
What works
- pH 6–7.5 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: gold barbs the mid, hatchetfish the top.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Gold barb | Hatchetfish | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 64–75 °F | 75–81 °F |
| pH | 6–8 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Adult size | 3.0 in | 1.5 in |
| Minimum tank | 20 gal | 20 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Middle | Top |
| Group | Groups of 6+ | Groups of 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore | Carnivore |
Better tank mates for gold barbs
Better tank mates for hatchetfish
Questions
Can gold barbs live with hatchetfish?
Yes, with care. Gold barbs and hatchetfish can share a tank, but watch one thing. They only share 75°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.
What temperature suits both gold barbs and hatchetfish?
75–75 °F. Gold barbs need 64–75 °F, hatchetfish need 75–81 °F.
What size tank do gold barbs and hatchetfish need together?
At least 20 gal, set by the gold barb. Add space for each extra fish.













