Pingtung Horse Mouth (Candidia pingtungensis)

Family: Cyprinidae

Pingtung Horse Mouth — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 8.6–12.5 cm; keep at 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 18–26 °C
pH: 7.5–8.8
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 8.6–12.5 cm
Minimum tank: 188 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

Candidia pingtungensis is a Cyprinidae. In the aquarium it stays mostly peaceful. Plan on 8.6–12.5 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. Related profiles: Candidia barbata.

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 in groups of 6 or more
Diet: Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter
Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with: Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Males often slimmer and more colourful
Breeding method: Egg-scatterer; no parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Pingtung Horse Mouth easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins; shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does Pingtung Horse Mouth need?

Hold 18–26 °C and keep it stable — 18–26 °C typical for the genus. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin.

How big does Pingtung Horse Mouth get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 8.6–12.5 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 188 litres.

What does Pingtung Horse Mouth eat?

Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Pingtung Horse Mouth live with other fish?

Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Pingtung Horse Mouth come from?

Its habitat is clear streams and rivers over gravel — moderate, well-oxygenated current, appreciates well-oxygenated water.

Does Pingtung Horse Mouth jump?

Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.

How does Pingtung Horse Mouth breed?

Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.