Acheilognathus barbatus — a Cyprinidae from China & East Asia, mostly peaceful; keep with calm tankmates. Reaches 6.8–9.9 cm; loose shoals; groups of 6+ settle quickly. 15–25 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
15–25 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
6.8–9.9 cm
Minimum tank
118 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; keep with calm tankmates
Origin
China & East Asia
Species overview
Acheilognathus barbatus, a member of the family Cyprinidae, is native to China & East Asia. A mussel-dependent spawner: without freshwater mussels in the system its full breeding behaviour simply never shows. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 6.8–9.9 cm. Loose shoals; groups of 6+ settle quickly. Give it quiet water, a sand bed and steady maintenance; it ignores most fish foods only when they are too large. Maintain 15–25 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
Native biotope
Habitat
Clear streams and rivers over gravel
Flow
Moderate, well-oxygenated current
Dissolved O₂
Appreciates well-oxygenated water
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine gravel and sand
Hardscape
Water-worn stones and driftwood
Plants
Hardy rooted plants along the margins
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Loose shoals; groups of 6+ settle quickly
Diet
Small omnivore; flakes, granules and vegetable matter
Recommended tankmates
White-cloud mountain minnows — Share its calm, cool temperament
Avoid keeping with
Large or boisterous fish — Outcompeted at feeding time