Systomus gracilus

Family: Cyprinidae

Systomus gracilus — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 15.8–23.1 cm; keep at 22–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
1–18 dGH
Adult length
15.8–23.1 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Active throughout the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species: Systomus gracilus lives active throughout the water column over gravel. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Adults reach 15.8–23.1 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Systomus species we profile, alongside Systomus asoka, Systomus barbatus, Systomus clavatus.

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
Shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more
Diet
Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males often slimmer and more colourful
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer; no parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Systomus gracilus easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins; shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does Systomus gracilus need?

Hold 22–26 °C and keep it stable — 22.0–26.0 °C typical for the genus. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin.

How big does Systomus gracilus get, and what tank size?

Full size is 15.8–23.1 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its active throughout the water column habits.

What does Systomus gracilus eat?

Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Systomus gracilus live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins — pair it with Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs and skip Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Systomus gracilus come from?

Its habitat is clear streams and rivers over gravel — moderate, well-oxygenated current, appreciates well-oxygenated water.

Does Systomus gracilus jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Systomus gracilus breed?

Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.