Family: Cyprinidae
Onychostoma rarum — 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 rarum is a Cyprinidae from southern Chinese mountain streams. In the wild it prefers clear streams and rivers over gravel; in the aquarium it stays peaceful. Plan on 23.7–34.8 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. Related profiles: 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.
Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
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. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
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.
Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.
Breeding is straightforward scatter-spawning. Males often slimmer and more colourful.