Family: Cyprinidae
Squalidus nitens — a Cyprinidae from China, peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Reaches 7.2–10.6 cm; keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour. 18–26 °C.
Squalidus nitens, a member of the family Cyprinidae, comes from China, where it inhabits clear streams and rivers over gravel. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates and omnivore; prepared foods with regular variety, it grows to 7.2–10.6 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 18–26 °C range. Other Squalidus species in our database include Squalidus argentatus, Squalidus chankaensis, Squalidus wolterstorffi.
Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour.
Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
Expect 7.2–10.6 cm as an adult, living active throughout the water column. A 135 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivore; prepared foods with regular variety. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates; keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Compatible size and temperament. Keep away from Fin-nippers — Constant stress.
Its home waters are China — clear streams and rivers over gravel, with moderate, well-oxygenated current.
Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.
In the aquarium: breeding is straightforward scatter-spawning. Males often slimmer and more colourful.