Family: Cyprinidae
Metzia lineata — a Cyprinidae from Indochina, mostly peaceful community fish. Reaches 7.5–11 cm; singly or in small groups depending on temperament. 18–26 °C.
Metzia lineata, a member of the family Cyprinidae, comes from Indochina, where it inhabits clear streams and rivers over gravel. Mostly peaceful community fish and accepts quality flakes, granules and frozen foods, it grows to 7.5–11 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 18–26 °C range. Other Metzia species in our database include Metzia formosae, Metzia mesembrinum.
Difficulty: moderate. Mostly peaceful community fish. Singly or in small groups depending on temperament.
Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
Full size is 7.5–11 cm. Minimum tank: 145 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling 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 Indochina, 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.
In the aquarium: egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.