Coreius Zeni — a Cyprinidae from Yangtze basin, China, peaceful toward equals, merciless to fry. Reaches 11.2–16.5 cm; juveniles shoal; adults keep to pairs or singles. 18–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
11.2–16.5 cm
Minimum tank
327 L
Water layer
Active throughout the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful toward equals, merciless to fry
Origin
Yangtze basin, China
Species overview
From the waters of Yangtze basin, China comes Coreius guichenoti, a member of the family Cyprinidae. A cold, torrent-dwelling cyprinid of the plateau rivers — treat it like a temperate trout-stream fish, not a tropical. It uses the whole water column. Adults reach 11.2–16.5 cm. Juveniles shoal; adults keep to pairs or singles. Plan for chillers or a cool room, strong flow and excellent oxygen — heat kills where hunger cannot. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Undemanding once its core needs are met.
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
Juveniles shoal; adults keep to pairs or singles
Diet
Hearty feeder; alternate protein and vegetable meals
Recommended tankmates
Other large temperate cyprinids — Match size, temperature and diet
Avoid keeping with
Warm-water tropicals — Need different temperatures
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Males often slimmer and more colourful
Breeding method
Breeds seasonally in cool running water; aquarium success is rare