Ayu sweetfish (Plecoglossus altivelis)

Family: Plecoglossidae

Ayu sweetfish — a Plecoglossidae from 中国及日本, calm, undemanding and well-suited to community life. Reaches 52.5–77 cm; small groups recommended. 20–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
20–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
52.5–77 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Calm, undemanding and well-suited to community life
Origin
中国及日本

Species overview

Plecoglossus altivelis is a Plecoglossidae from 中国及日本. Its calm temperament and broad diet make it one of the more forgiving residents of a community tank. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 52.5–77 cm. Small groups recommended. Stable water, regular partial changes and a varied diet cover nearly everything it needs. Maintain 20–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.

Native biotope

Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Small groups recommended
Diet
Unfussy omnivore; varied diet keeps condition
Recommended tankmates
  • Robust schooling cyprinids — Add activity without conflict
Avoid keeping with
  • Much larger predators — Risk at night

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Spawns freely; remove parents to save the eggs