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
Cyprinidae species Coreius heterodon comes from Yangtze basin, China. 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. Singly or in small groups in long tanks. 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. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
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