Family: Salmonidae
Japanese Char — a Salmonidae from Japan, territorial toward its own kind; predatory on small fish. Reaches 15–30 cm; solitary or small groups; juveniles shoal. 8–18 °C.
Salvelinus leucomaenis, a member of the family Salmonidae, comes from Japan, where it inhabits cold, highly oxygenated mountain streams. Territorial toward its own kind; predatory on small fish and carnivore; insects, crustaceans and small fish, it grows to 15–30 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 8–18 °C range. In a community tank it pairs well with Similar-sized peaceful community fish.
Difficulty: moderate. Territorial toward its own kind; predatory on small fish. Solitary or small groups; juveniles shoal.
Aim for 8–18 °C. Chiller or cold-water management in summer; 8–18 °C curated husbandry range.
Full size is 15–30 cm. Minimum tank: 300 L, with open swimming space along its bottom to mid-water in runs and pools habits.
Carnivore; insects, crustaceans and small fish. It forages naturally over clean gravel and cobble, so let some food reach the bottom.
Yes, with care. Territorial toward its own kind; predatory on small fish — pair it with Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs and skip Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Native to Japan, where it lives in cold, highly oxygenated mountain streams. Strong current over gravel; Requires near-saturated dissolved oxygen.
It can jump when startled — keep the tank tightly covered, especially at night and during maintenance.
Autumn redd spawner in flowing gravel. Males develop kype and brighter colours at spawning.