Bronze Gudgeon (Coreius heterodon)

Family: Cyprinidae

Bronze Gudgeon — a Cyprinidae from Yangtze basin, China, calm giants; anything swallowable is food. Reaches 11.2–16.5 cm; singly or in small groups in long tanks. 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
Calm giants; anything swallowable is food
Origin
Yangtze basin, China

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species native to Yangtze basin, China: Coreius heterodon lives active throughout the water column over gravel. Calm giants; anything swallowable is food. Adults reach 11.2–16.5 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Coreius species we profile, alongside Coreius guichenoti, Coreius septentrionalis.

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
Singly or in small groups in long tanks
Diet
Accepts most foods; give it greens as well as protein
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
Spawning follows cold-season floods in nature; rarely in aquaria

Frequently asked questions

Is Bronze Gudgeon easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: calm giants; anything swallowable is food; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Bronze Gudgeon need?

Aim for 18–26 °C. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin; 18–26 °C typical for the family.

How big does Bronze Gudgeon get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 11.2–16.5 cm; it is active throughout the water column. Plan for at least 327 litres.

What does Bronze Gudgeon eat?

Accepts most foods; give it greens as well as protein. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Bronze Gudgeon live with other fish?

Calm giants; anything swallowable is food; singly or in small groups in long tanks. Good company: Other large temperate cyprinids — Match size, temperature and diet. Keep away from Warm-water tropicals — Need different temperatures.

Where does Bronze Gudgeon come from?

Its home waters are Yangtze basin, China — clear streams and rivers over gravel, with moderate, well-oxygenated current.

Does Bronze Gudgeon jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Bronze Gudgeon breed?

In the aquarium: spawning follows cold-season floods in nature; rarely in aquaria. Males often slimmer and more colourful.