Thickjaw Black Bream (Megalobrama pellegrini)

Family: Cyprinidae

Thickjaw Black Bream — a Cyprinidae from China, peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Reaches 36.8–53.9 cm; keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour. 10–20 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 10–20 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 36.8–53.9 cm
Minimum tank: 500 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates
Origin: China

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species native to China: Megalobrama pellegrini lives bottom-dwelling over gravel. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Adults reach 36.8–53.9 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Megalobrama species we profile, alongside Megalobrama amblycephala, Megalobrama mantschuricus, Megalobrama terminalis.

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: Keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour
Diet: Omnivore; prepared foods with regular variety
Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Compatible size and temperament
Avoid keeping with: Fin-nippers — Constant stress

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Males often slimmer and more colourful
Breeding method: Breeding is straightforward scatter-spawning

Frequently asked questions

Is Thickjaw Black Bream easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour.

What temperature and water chemistry does Thickjaw Black Bream need?

Set the heater to 10–20 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Thickjaw Black Bream get, and what tank size?

Full size is 36.8–53.9 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Thickjaw Black Bream eat?

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

Can Thickjaw Black Bream live with other fish?

Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates; keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Compatible size and temperament. Keep away from Fin-nippers — Constant stress.

Where does Thickjaw Black Bream come from?

Native to China, where it lives in clear streams and rivers over gravel. Moderate, well-oxygenated current; Appreciates well-oxygenated water.

Does Thickjaw Black Bream jump?

Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.

How does Thickjaw Black Bream breed?

In the aquarium: breeding is straightforward scatter-spawning. Males often slimmer and more colourful.