Family: Cyprinidae
Shortbarbel Gudgeon — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 16.6–24.3 cm; keep at 18–26 °C.
A Cyprinidae species: Gnathopogon imberbis lives bottom-dwelling over gravel. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Adults reach 16.6–24.3 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Gnathopogon species we profile, alongside Gnathopogon herzensteini, Gnathopogon polytaenia, Gnathopogon tsinanensis.
Difficulty: moderate. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more.
Aim for 18–26 °C. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin; 18–26 °C typical for the genus.
Full size is 16.6–24.3 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.
Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. It forages naturally over fine gravel and sand, so let some food reach the bottom.
Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins; shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Found in clear streams and rivers over gravel; expect moderate, well-oxygenated current and appreciates well-oxygenated water.
Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.
In the aquarium: egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.