Waandersii's Hard-lipped Barb (Osteochilus waandersii)

Family: Cyprinidae

Waandersii's Hard-lipped Barb — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 20.7–30.4 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: 20.7–30.4 cm
Minimum tank: 500 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species: Osteochilus waandersii lives bottom-dwelling over gravel. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Adults reach 20.7–30.4 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 Waandersii's Hard-lipped Barb 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 Waandersii's Hard-lipped Barb need?

Aim for 22–26 °C. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin; 22.0–26.0 °C typical for the genus.

How big does Waandersii's Hard-lipped Barb get, and what tank size?

Full size is 20.7–30.4 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Waandersii's Hard-lipped Barb eat?

Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Waandersii's Hard-lipped Barb 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 Waandersii's Hard-lipped Barb come from?

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

Does Waandersii's Hard-lipped Barb jump?

Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.

How does Waandersii's Hard-lipped Barb breed?

In the aquarium: egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.