Scaly Osman — a Cyprinidae from Tibetan Plateau waters, calm giants; anything swallowable is food. Reaches 52.5–77 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
52.5–77 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Calm giants; anything swallowable is food
Origin
Tibetan Plateau waters
Species overview
Diptychus maculatus, a member of the family Cyprinidae, is native to Tibetan Plateau waters. Its home water is snowmelt: cool, fast and oxygen-saturated, with hot summers as the main threat. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 52.5–77 cm. Singly or in small groups in long tanks. Keep it cool, moving and oxygen-rich; summer temperatures above 24 °C are the real danger. 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
Cold-water catfish of similar bulk — Share the cool, current-rich regime
Avoid keeping with
Small fish — Will be eaten
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Males often slimmer and more colourful
Breeding method
Spawning follows cold-season floods in nature; rarely in aquaria