Family: Cyprinidae
Chuanchia labiosa — a Cyprinidae from NW China plateau waters, peaceful toward equals, merciless to fry. Reaches 11.2–16.5 cm; juveniles shoal; adults keep to pairs or singles. 18–26 °C.
A Cyprinidae species native to NW China plateau waters: Chuanchia labiosa lives active throughout the water column over gravel. Peaceful toward equals, merciless to fry. Adults reach 11.2–16.5 cm. In a community tank it pairs well with Cold-water catfish of similar bulk.
Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful toward equals, merciless to fry; juveniles shoal; adults keep to pairs or singles.
Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
Full size is 11.2–16.5 cm. Minimum tank: 327 L, with open swimming space along its active throughout the water column habits.
Hearty feeder; alternate protein and vegetable meals. It forages naturally over fine gravel and sand, so let some food reach the bottom.
Yes, with care. Peaceful toward equals, merciless to fry — pair it with Cold-water catfish of similar bulk — Share the cool, current-rich regime and skip Small fish — Will be eaten.
Comes from NW China plateau waters: clear streams and rivers over gravel. Expect moderate, well-oxygenated current and appreciates well-oxygenated water.
Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.
Breeds seasonally in cool running water; aquarium success is rare. Males often slimmer and more colourful.