Family: Cyprinidae
Sarcocheilichthys lacustris — a Cyprinidae from China, calm, undemanding and well-suited to community life. Reaches 12–17.6 cm; small groups recommended. 18–26 °C.
A Cyprinidae species native to China: Sarcocheilichthys lacustris lives active throughout the water column over gravel. Calm, undemanding and well-suited to community life. Adults reach 12–17.6 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Sarcocheilichthys species we profile, alongside Sarcocheilichthys nigripinnis, Sarcocheilichthys sinensis, Sarcocheilichthys variegatus.
Intermediate difficulty. Calm, undemanding and well-suited to community life; small groups recommended.
Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
Expect 12–17.6 cm as an adult, living active throughout the water column. A 372 L tank or larger gives it room.
Unfussy omnivore; varied diet keeps condition. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
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.
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.
In the aquarium: spawns freely; remove parents to save the eggs. Males often slimmer and more colourful.