Acheilognathus imberbis — a Cyprinidae from China & East Asia, gentle community fish that dislikes fin-nippers. Reaches 6–8.8 cm; shoaling; keep at least 8 together. 15–25 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
15–25 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
6–8.8 cm
Minimum tank
93 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Gentle community fish that dislikes fin-nippers
Origin
China & East Asia
Species overview
Acheilognathus imberbis is a Cyprinidae from 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 6–8.8 cm. Shoaling; keep at least 8 together. 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
Shoaling; keep at least 8 together
Diet
Unfussy omnivore; quality flakes plus blanched greens
Recommended tankmates
White-cloud mountain minnows — Share its calm, cool temperament
Avoid keeping with
Large or boisterous fish — Outcompeted at feeding time
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Males often slimmer and more colourful
Breeding method
Mussel-brooding egg-scatterer; the male guards the mussel territory