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
Schizopygopsis stoliczkai, a member of the family Cyprinidae, is native to Tibetan Plateau waters. Its home water is snowmelt: cool, fast and oxygen-saturated, with hot summers as the main threat. It uses the whole water column. Adults reach 37.2–54.6 cm. Singly or in small groups in long tanks. Keep it cool, moving and oxygen-rich; summer temperatures above 24 °C are the real danger. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
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