Osteochilus scapularis

Family: Cyprinidae

Osteochilus scapularis — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 13.8–20.2 cm; keep at 22–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
13.8–20.2 cm
Minimum tank
490 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species: Osteochilus scapularis lives bottom-dwelling over gravel. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Adults reach 13.8–20.2 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Osteochilus species we profile, alongside Osteochilus salsburyi, Osteochilus bleekeri, Osteochilus kelabau.

Native biotope

Habitat
Clear streams and rivers over gravel
Flow
Moderate, well-oxygenated current
Dissolved O₂
Appreciates well-oxygenated water

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine gravel and sand
Hardscape
Water-worn stones and driftwood
Plants
Hardy rooted plants along the margins

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more
Diet
Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males often slimmer and more colourful
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer; no parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Osteochilus scapularis easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does Osteochilus scapularis need?

Hold 22–26 °C and keep it stable — 22.0–26.0 °C typical for the genus. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin.

How big does Osteochilus scapularis get, and what tank size?

Full size is 13.8–20.2 cm. Minimum tank: 490 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Osteochilus scapularis eat?

Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. It forages naturally over fine gravel and sand, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Osteochilus scapularis live with other fish?

Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Osteochilus scapularis come from?

Found in clear streams and rivers over gravel; expect moderate, well-oxygenated current and appreciates well-oxygenated water.

Does Osteochilus scapularis jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Osteochilus scapularis breed?

Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.