Small Scaled Mud Carp (Cirrhinus microlepis)

Family: Cyprinidae

Small Scaled Mud Carp — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 48.8–71.5 cm; keep at 22–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
48.8–71.5 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species: Cirrhinus microlepis lives bottom-dwelling over gravel. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Adults reach 48.8–71.5 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Cirrhinus species we profile, alongside Cirrhinus molitorella, Cirrhinus cirrhosus, Cirrhinus jullieni.

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 Small Scaled Mud Carp easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does Small Scaled Mud Carp need?

Set the heater to 22–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Small Scaled Mud Carp get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 48.8–71.5 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 500 litres.

What does Small Scaled Mud Carp eat?

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

Can Small Scaled Mud Carp 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 Small Scaled Mud Carp come from?

It lives in clear streams and rivers over gravel. Moderate, well-oxygenated current; Appreciates well-oxygenated water.

Does Small Scaled Mud Carp jump?

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

How does Small Scaled Mud Carp breed?

In the aquarium: egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.