Family: Cyprinidae
Onychostoma elongatum — a Cyprinidae from southern Chinese mountain streams, peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Reaches 23.7–34.8 cm; keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour. 18–26 °C.
A Cyprinidae species native to southern Chinese mountain streams: Onychostoma elongatum lives active throughout the water column over gravel. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Adults reach 23.7–34.8 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Onychostoma species we profile, alongside Onychostoma barbatulum, Onychostoma angustistomata, Onychostoma gerlachi.
Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates; keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour.
Aim for 18–26 °C. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin; 18–26 °C typical for the genus.
Expect 23.7–34.8 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. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
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 southern Chinese mountain streams, 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: breeding is straightforward scatter-spawning. Males often slimmer and more colourful.