China-Bitterling (Acheilognathus barbatulus)

Family: Cyprinidae

A cold-tolerant peaceful bitterling from China, an omnivore cyprinidae well suited to unheated tanks — moderate care.

Care parameters

Water temperature
8–20 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
6.1–8.7 cm
Minimum tank
87 L
Water layer
Mid-water swimmer; keep 6+
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful
Origin
东亚淡水水系

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species: Acheilognathus barbatulus lives mid-water swimmer; keep 6+ over clear streams, rivers and still waters. Peaceful. Adults reach 6.1–8.7 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Acheilognathus species we profile, alongside Acheilognathus cyanostigma, Acheilognathus gracilis, Acheilognathus macropterus.

Native biotope

Habitat
Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow
Moderate flow
Dissolved O₂
Average oxygen needs

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Smooth gravel and sand with open floor space
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 6+; larger groups settle better
Diet
Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety
Recommended tankmates
  • Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs
  • Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs
  • Striped Bitterling — 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
Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes

Frequently asked questions

Is China-Bitterling easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: peaceful; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does China-Bitterling need?

Hold 8–20 °C and keep it stable — 8–20 °C recorded range. Unheated or lightly heated; guard against summer heat.

How big does China-Bitterling get, and what tank size?

Expect 6.1–8.7 cm as an adult, living mid-water swimmer; keep 6+. A 87 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does China-Bitterling eat?

Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can China-Bitterling live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Peaceful — pair it with Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs, Striped Bitterling — Similar size and water needs and skip Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.

Where does China-Bitterling come from?

Native to 东亚淡水水系, where it lives in clear streams, rivers and still waters. Moderate flow; Average oxygen needs.

How does China-Bitterling breed?

Spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.