Family: Cyprinidae
Megalobrama mantschuricus — a Cyprinidae from China, peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Reaches 30–60 cm; keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour. 10–20 °C.
A Cyprinidae species native to China: Megalobrama mantschuricus lives active throughout the water column over gravel. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Adults reach 30–60 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Megalobrama species we profile, alongside Megalobrama amblycephala, Megalobrama pellegrini, Megalobrama terminalis.
Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour.
Aim for 10–20 °C. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin; 10.0–20.0 °C typical for the genus.
Expect 30–60 cm as an adult, living active throughout the water column. A 500 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivore; prepared foods with regular variety. It forages naturally over fine gravel and sand, so let some food reach the bottom.
Yes, with care. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates — 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.
Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.
Breeding is straightforward scatter-spawning. Males often slimmer and more colourful.