Systomus orphoides

Family: Cyprinidae

Systomus orphoides — a Cyprinidae from Indonesia. 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
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins
Origin
Indonesia

Species overview

Systomus orphoides is a Cyprinidae from Indonesia. In the wild it prefers clear streams and rivers over gravel; in the aquarium it stays mostly peaceful. Plan on 15.8–23.1 cm of adult fish at 22–26 °C. Related profiles: 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 orphoides 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 orphoides 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 orphoides get, and what tank size?

Full size is 15.8–23.1 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Systomus orphoides eat?

Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Systomus orphoides live with other fish?

Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins; shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Systomus orphoides come from?

Comes from Indonesia: clear streams and rivers over gravel. Expect moderate, well-oxygenated current and appreciates well-oxygenated water.

Does Systomus orphoides jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Systomus orphoides breed?

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