Family: Cyprinidae
Acheilognathus polylepis — a Cyprinidae from China & East Asia, mostly peaceful; keep with calm tankmates. Reaches 6.5–9.6 cm; loose shoals; groups of 6+ settle quickly. 15–25 °C.
A Cyprinidae species native to China & East Asia: Acheilognathus polylepis lives active throughout the water column over gravel. Mostly peaceful; keep with calm tankmates. Adults reach 6.5–9.6 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Acheilognathus species we profile, alongside Acheilognathus barbatulus, Acheilognathus cyanostigma, Acheilognathus gracilis.
Difficulty: moderate. Mostly peaceful; keep with calm tankmates. Loose shoals; groups of 6+ settle quickly.
Aim for 15–25 °C. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin; 15.0–25.0 °C typical for the genus.
Expect 6.5–9.6 cm as an adult, living active throughout the water column. A 111 L tank or larger gives it room.
Small omnivore; flakes, granules and vegetable matter. It forages naturally over fine gravel and sand, so let some food reach the bottom.
Mostly peaceful; keep with calm tankmates; loose shoals; groups of 6+ settle quickly. Good company: Other small peaceful cyprinids — Similar size, similar water. Keep away from Fin-nippers — Their flowing fins invite damage.
Its home waters are China & East Asia — clear streams and rivers over gravel, with moderate, well-oxygenated current.
Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.
In the aquarium: deposits eggs in freshwater mussels; no aftercare. Males often slimmer and more colourful.