Rhodeus uyekii

Family: Cyprinidae

A peaceful bitterling from the Korean Peninsula, an omnivore cyprinidae of the mid-water layers — moderate care.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
4.3–6.2 cm
Minimum tank
62 L
Water layer
Mid-water swimmer; keep 6+
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful
Origin
Korean Peninsula

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species native to Korean Peninsula: Rhodeus uyekii lives mid-water swimmer; keep 6+ over clear streams, rivers and still waters. Peaceful. Adults reach 4.3–6.2 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Rhodeus species we profile, alongside Rhodeus fangi, Rhodeus lighti, Rhodeus ocellatus.

Native biotope

Habitat
Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow
Still to very gentle water
Dissolved O₂
Average oxygen needs

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Smooth gravel and sand with open floor space
Hardscape
Driftwood, water-worn stones and shelters that mimic the native biotope
Plants
Hardy plants on hardscape; keep the floor open

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Keep 6+; larger groups settle better
Diet
Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety
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 keeping with
  • Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk
  • Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer over fine plants; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes

Frequently asked questions

Is Rhodeus uyekii easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful; keep 6+; larger groups settle better.

What temperature and water chemistry does Rhodeus uyekii 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 Rhodeus uyekii get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 4.3–6.2 cm; it is mid-water swimmer; keep 6+. Plan for at least 62 litres.

What does Rhodeus uyekii eat?

Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Rhodeus uyekii live with other fish?

Peaceful; keep 6+; larger groups settle better. Good company: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.

Where does Rhodeus uyekii come from?

Its home waters are Korean Peninsula — clear streams, rivers and still waters, with still to very gentle water.

How does Rhodeus uyekii breed?

Egg-scatterer over fine plants; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.