Black Stripe Gudgeon (Pungtungia herzi)

Family: Cyprinidae

Black Stripe Gudgeon — a Cyprinidae from Japan & Korea, calm, undemanding and well-suited to community life. Reaches 11.7–17.2 cm; small groups recommended. 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
11.7–17.2 cm
Minimum tank
355 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Calm, undemanding and well-suited to community life
Origin
Japan and Korea

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species native to Japan and Korea: Pungtungia herzi lives bottom-dwelling over gravel. Calm, undemanding and well-suited to community life. Adults reach 11.7–17.2 cm. In a community tank it pairs well with Similar-sized peaceful community fish.

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
Small groups recommended
Diet
Unfussy omnivore; varied diet keeps condition
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Compatible size and temperament
Avoid keeping with
  • Fin-nippers — Constant stress

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males often slimmer and more colourful
Breeding method
Spawns freely; remove parents to save the eggs

Frequently asked questions

Is Black Stripe Gudgeon easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Calm, undemanding and well-suited to community life; small groups recommended.

What temperature and water chemistry does Black Stripe Gudgeon 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 Black Stripe Gudgeon get, and what tank size?

Full size is 11.7–17.2 cm. Minimum tank: 355 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Black Stripe Gudgeon eat?

Unfussy omnivore; varied diet keeps condition. It forages naturally over fine gravel and sand, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Black Stripe Gudgeon live with other fish?

Calm, undemanding and well-suited to community life; small groups recommended. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Compatible size and temperament. Keep away from Fin-nippers — Constant stress.

Where does Black Stripe Gudgeon come from?

Native to Japan and Korea, where it lives in clear streams and rivers over gravel. Moderate, well-oxygenated current; Appreciates well-oxygenated water.

Does Black Stripe Gudgeon jump?

Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.

How does Black Stripe Gudgeon breed?

In the aquarium: spawns freely; remove parents to save the eggs. Males often slimmer and more colourful.