Chinese-ink carp (Procypris mera)

Family: Cyprinidae

Chinese-ink carp — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 7.9–11.7 cm; keep at 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 18–26 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 7.9–11.7 cm
Minimum tank: 164 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species: Procypris mera lives bottom-dwelling over gravel. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Adults reach 7.9–11.7 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Procypris species we profile, alongside Procypris rabaudi.

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 Chinese-ink carp easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins; shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does Chinese-ink carp need?

Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Chinese-ink carp get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 7.9–11.7 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 164 litres.

What does Chinese-ink carp eat?

Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Chinese-ink carp 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 Chinese-ink carp come from?

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

Does Chinese-ink carp jump?

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

How does Chinese-ink carp breed?

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