A peaceful carnivore odontobutidae from China — moderate care.
Care parameters
Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
12.7–18.1 cm
Minimum tank
181 L
Water layer
Bottom; rests and forages low
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Predatory — best kept singly or as a pair
Origin
东亚淡水水系
Species overview
A Odontobutidae species: Odontobutis sinensis lives bottom; rests and forages low over clear streams, rivers and still waters. Predatory — best kept singly or as a pair. Adults reach 12.7–18.1 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Odontobutis species we profile, alongside Odontobutis potamophila, Odontobutis obscura, Odontobutis platycephala.
Native biotope
Habitat
Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow
Still to very gentle water
Dissolved O₂
Average oxygen needs
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Smooth gravel and sand with open floor space
Hardscape
Driftwood, water-worn stones and shelters that mimic the native biotope
Plants
Hardy plants on hardscape; keep the floor open
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Solitary, pairs or small groups
Diet
Carnivore; quality prepared foods with variety; regular frozen or live foods
Recommended tankmates
Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs
Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs
Deep Body Bitterling — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
Fish under half its size — May be eaten
Small fish and shrimp — Live-prey size
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes
Frequently asked questions
Why does it sit motionless for days?
That is the species' entire lifestyle. A sleepy gudgeon that breathes calmly, responds to food and holds its fins erect is healthy. Worry only if it refuses prey or breathes heavily.
Will it eat my other fish?
Anything up to roughly half its own length is potential prey. Keep it with fish too large to swallow and too assertive to be bullied — or give it a species tank.
Can it be trained to take frozen food?
Yes — most individuals learn tong-feeding within weeks. Wiggle the item to trigger the suction response, and be patient with newly acquired fish.
Can it be kept in a planted tank?
Yes — it ignores plants, which also provide the hunting structure it likes; just keep open sand stations where it can ambush.