Family: Cyprinidae
Black Amur — a Cyprinidae from China, calm, undemanding and well-suited to community life. Reaches 135–198 cm; small groups recommended. 18–28 °C.
Mylopharyngodon piceus, a member of the family Cyprinidae, comes from China, where it inhabits clear streams and rivers over gravel. Calm, undemanding and well-suited to community life and unfussy omnivore; varied diet keeps condition, it grows to 135–198 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 18–28 °C range. In a community tank it pairs well with Robust schooling cyprinids.
Intermediate difficulty. Calm, undemanding and well-suited to community life; small groups recommended.
Set the heater to 18–28 °C and avoid swings. pH 7.5–8.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
Adults reach 135–198 cm; it is active throughout the water column. Plan for at least 500 litres.
Unfussy omnivore; varied diet keeps condition. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
Calm, undemanding and well-suited to community life. Recommended tankmates: Robust schooling cyprinids — Add activity without conflict. Avoid 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: spawns freely; remove parents to save the eggs. Males often slimmer and more colourful.