Family: Cyprinidae
Mrigal — a Cyprinidae from China and South Asia. Reaches 75–110 cm; keep at 22–26 °C.
Cirrhinus cirrhosus, a member of the family Cyprinidae, comes from China and South Asia, where it inhabits clear streams and rivers over gravel. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins and omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter, it grows to 75–110 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 22–26 °C range. Other Cirrhinus species in our database include Cirrhinus molitorella, Cirrhinus jullieni, Cirrhinus microlepis.
Difficulty: moderate. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more.
Set the heater to 22–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
Expect 75–110 cm as an adult, living active throughout the water column. A 500 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. It forages naturally over fine gravel and sand, so let some food reach the bottom.
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.
Comes from China and South Asia: 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.
In the aquarium: egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.