Northern Bronze Gudgeon (Coreius septentrionalis)

Family: Cyprinidae

Northern Bronze Gudgeon — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 25.5–37.4 cm; keep at 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 18–26 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 25.5–37.4 cm
Minimum tank: 500 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species: Coreius septentrionalis lives bottom-dwelling over gravel. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Adults reach 25.5–37.4 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Coreius species we profile, alongside Coreius guichenoti, Coreius heterodon.

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 Northern Bronze Gudgeon 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 Northern Bronze Gudgeon need?

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

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

Expect 25.5–37.4 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 500 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Northern Bronze Gudgeon eat?

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

Can Northern Bronze Gudgeon live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins — pair it with Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs and skip Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Northern Bronze Gudgeon come from?

Its habitat is clear streams and rivers over gravel — moderate, well-oxygenated current, appreciates well-oxygenated water.

Does Northern Bronze Gudgeon jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Northern Bronze Gudgeon breed?

Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.