Schizopygopsis stoliczkai

Family: Cyprinidae

Schizopygopsis stoliczkai — a Cyprinidae from Tibetan Plateau waters, calm giants; anything swallowable is food. Reaches 37.2–54.6 cm; singly or in small groups in long tanks. 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 18–26 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 37.2–54.6 cm
Minimum tank: 500 L
Water layer: Active throughout the water column
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Calm giants; anything swallowable is food
Origin: Tibetan Plateau waters

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species native to Tibetan Plateau waters: Schizopygopsis stoliczkai lives active throughout the water column over gravel. Calm giants; anything swallowable is food. Adults reach 37.2–54.6 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Schizopygopsis species we profile, alongside Schizopygopsis younghusbandi, Schizopygopsis pylzovi.

Native biotope

Habitat: Clear streams and rivers over gravel
Flow: Moderate, well-oxygenated current
Dissolved O₂: Appreciates well-oxygenated water

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate: Fine gravel and sand
Hardscape: Water-worn stones and driftwood
Plants: Hardy rooted plants along the margins

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling: Singly or in small groups in long tanks
Diet: Accepts most foods; give it greens as well as protein
Recommended tankmates: Cold-water catfish of similar bulk — Share the cool, current-rich regime
Avoid keeping with: Small fish — Will be eaten

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Males often slimmer and more colourful
Breeding method: Spawning follows cold-season floods in nature; rarely in aquaria

Frequently asked questions

Is Schizopygopsis stoliczkai easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Calm giants; anything swallowable is food. Singly or in small groups in long tanks.

What temperature and water chemistry does Schizopygopsis stoliczkai 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 Schizopygopsis stoliczkai get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 37.2–54.6 cm; it is active throughout the water column. Plan for at least 500 litres.

What does Schizopygopsis stoliczkai eat?

Accepts most foods; give it greens as well as protein. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Schizopygopsis stoliczkai live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Calm giants; anything swallowable is food — pair it with Cold-water catfish of similar bulk — Share the cool, current-rich regime and skip Small fish — Will be eaten.

Where does Schizopygopsis stoliczkai come from?

Its home waters are Tibetan Plateau waters — clear streams and rivers over gravel, with moderate, well-oxygenated current.

Does Schizopygopsis stoliczkai jump?

Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.

How does Schizopygopsis stoliczkai breed?

In the aquarium: spawning follows cold-season floods in nature; rarely in aquaria. Males often slimmer and more colourful.