Family: Cyprinidae
Sarcocheilichthys hainanensis — a Cyprinidae from China. Reaches 6.8–9.9 cm; keep at 18–26 °C.
Sarcocheilichthys hainanensis, a member of the family Cyprinidae, comes from China, where it inhabits clear streams and rivers over gravel. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins and omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter, it grows to 6.8–9.9 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 18–26 °C range. Other Sarcocheilichthys species in our database include Sarcocheilichthys nigripinnis, Sarcocheilichthys sinensis, Sarcocheilichthys variegatus.
Intermediate difficulty. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins; shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more.
Aim for 18–26 °C. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin; 18–26 °C typical for the genus.
Full size is 6.8–9.9 cm. Minimum tank: 118 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.
Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins; shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Comes from China: clear streams and rivers over gravel. Expect moderate, well-oxygenated current and appreciates well-oxygenated water.
Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.
Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.