Family: Cyprinidae
Bighead carp — a Cyprinidae from China, mostly peaceful community fish. Reaches 109.5–160.6 cm; singly or in small groups depending on temperament. 18–28 °C.
Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, a member of the family Cyprinidae, comes from China, where it inhabits clear streams and rivers over gravel. Mostly peaceful community fish and accepts quality flakes, granules and frozen foods, it grows to 109.5–160.6 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 18–28 °C range. Other Hypophthalmichthys species in our database include Hypophthalmichthys molitrix.
A moderate-level species: mostly peaceful community fish; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Hold 18–28 °C and keep it stable — 18–28 °C manually curated 2026-09-20 (was GBIF-derived). Room temperature to heated, depending on origin.
Full size is 109.5–160.6 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its active throughout the water column habits.
Accepts quality flakes, granules and frozen foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
Yes, with care. Mostly peaceful community fish — pair it with Robust schooling cyprinids — Add activity without conflict and skip Much larger predators — Risk at night.
Native to China, where it lives in clear streams and rivers over gravel. Moderate, well-oxygenated current; Appreciates well-oxygenated water.
Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.
In the aquarium: egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.