Family: Cyprinidae
Onychostoma macrolepis — 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.
Onychostoma macrolepis, a member of the family Cyprinidae, comes from southern Chinese mountain streams, where it inhabits clear streams and rivers over gravel. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates and omnivore; prepared foods with regular variety, it grows to 23.7–34.8 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 18–26 °C range. Other Onychostoma species in our database include Onychostoma barbatulum, Onychostoma angustistomata, Onychostoma elongatum.
Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates; keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour.
Hold 18–26 °C and keep it stable — 18–26 °C typical for the genus. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin.
Adults reach 23.7–34.8 cm; it is active throughout the water column. Plan for at least 500 litres.
Omnivore; prepared foods with regular variety. It forages naturally over fine gravel and sand, so let some food reach the bottom.
Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Recommended tankmates: Robust schooling cyprinids — Add activity without conflict. Avoid Much larger predators — Risk at night.
Its home waters are southern Chinese mountain streams — clear streams and rivers over gravel, with moderate, well-oxygenated current.
Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.
Breeding is straightforward scatter-spawning. Males often slimmer and more colourful.