Family: Cyprinidae
A peaceful omnivore cyprinidae from the Yangtze and Pearl rivers of China and Hainan Island — moderate care.
Spinibarbus sinensis, a member of the family Cyprinidae, comes from Yangtze & Pearl basins, China, where it inhabits clear streams, rivers and still waters. Peaceful and omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety, it grows to 42.7–61 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 18–26 °C range. Other Spinibarbus species in our database include Spinibarbus hollandi, Spinibarbus caldwelli, Spinibarbus denticulatus.
Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful. Keep 4+; larger groups settle better.
Hold 18–26 °C and keep it stable — community-standard range; verify locally. Standard heater to hold the mid-range steadily.
Expect 42.7–61 cm as an adult, living mid-water swimmer; keep 4+. A 610 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Yes, with care. Peaceful — pair it with Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs and skip Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.
Native to Yangtze & Pearl basins, China, where it lives in clear streams, rivers and still waters. Strong current with heavy aeration; Average oxygen needs.
Spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.