Taiwan Striped Barb (Acrossocheilus paradoxus)

Family: Cyprinidae

A semi-aggressive herbivore cyprinidae from Taiwan, China — moderate care.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 15–25 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 15.7–22.5 cm
Minimum tank: 225 L
Water layer: Mid-water swimmer; keep 5+
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Origin: 中国台湾

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species: Acrossocheilus paradoxus lives mid-water swimmer; keep 5+ over clear streams, rivers and still waters. Semi-aggressive. Adults reach 15.7–22.5 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Acrossocheilus species we profile, alongside Acrossocheilus fasciatus, Acrossocheilus hemispinus, Acrossocheilus iridescens.

Native biotope

Habitat: Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow: Strong current with heavy aeration
Dissolved O₂: Demands high dissolved oxygen

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 5+; larger groups settle better
Diet: Herbivore; quality prepared foods with variety
Recommended tankmates: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs
China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs
Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — 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 Taiwan Striped Barb easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Semi-aggressive. Keep 5+; larger groups settle better.

What temperature and water chemistry does Taiwan Striped Barb need?

Set the heater to 15–25 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Taiwan Striped Barb get, and what tank size?

Expect 15.7–22.5 cm as an adult, living mid-water swimmer; keep 5+. A 225 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Taiwan Striped Barb eat?

Herbivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Taiwan Striped Barb live with other fish?

Semi-aggressive; keep 5+; larger groups settle better. Good company: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.

Where does Taiwan Striped Barb come from?

Its home waters are 中国台湾 — clear streams, rivers and still waters, with strong current with heavy aeration.

How does Taiwan Striped Barb breed?

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