Family: Cyprinidae
A peaceful omnivore cyprinidae from the major river systems of China — moderate care.
A Cyprinidae species native to China: Rhodeus sinensis lives mid-water swimmer; keep 6+ over clear streams, rivers and still waters. Peaceful. Adults reach 7.6–10.8 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Rhodeus species we profile, alongside Rhodeus fangi, Rhodeus lighti, Rhodeus ocellatus.
Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful. Keep 6+; larger groups settle better.
Hold 18–26 °C and keep it stable — community-standard range; verify locally. Standard heater to hold the mid-range steadily.
Full size is 7.6–10.8 cm. Minimum tank: 108 L, with open swimming space along its mid-water swimmer; keep 6+ habits.
Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety. It forages naturally over dark fine gravel or sand, so let some food reach the bottom.
Peaceful. Recommended tankmates: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.
Comes from China: clear streams, rivers and still waters. Expect still to very gentle water and average oxygen needs.
In the aquarium: egg-scatterer over fine plants; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.