Slender Bitterling (Tanakia lanceolata)

Family: Cyprinidae

A peaceful omnivore cyprinidae from Japan and the Korean Peninsula — moderate care.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
9.2–13.1 cm
Minimum tank
131 L
Water layer
Mid-water swimmer; keep 6+
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful
Origin
Japan & the Korean Peninsula

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species native to Japan & the Korean Peninsula: Tanakia lanceolata lives mid-water swimmer; keep 6+ over clear streams, rivers and still waters. Peaceful. Adults reach 9.2–13.1 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Tanakia species we profile, alongside Tanakia koreensis, Tanakia himantegus, Tanakia tanago.

Native biotope

Habitat
Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow
Moderate flow
Dissolved O₂
Average oxygen needs

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Smooth gravel and sand with open floor space
Hardscape
Driftwood, water-worn stones and shelters that mimic the native biotope
Plants
Hardy plants on hardscape; keep the floor open

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Keep 6+; larger groups settle better
Diet
Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety
Recommended tankmates
  • Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs
  • China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs
  • Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk
  • Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes

Frequently asked questions

Is Slender Bitterling easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: peaceful; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Slender Bitterling need?

Hold 18–26 °C and keep it stable — community-standard range; verify locally. Standard heater to hold the mid-range steadily.

How big does Slender Bitterling get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 9.2–13.1 cm; it is mid-water swimmer; keep 6+. Plan for at least 131 litres.

What does Slender Bitterling eat?

Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Slender Bitterling live with other fish?

Peaceful; keep 6+; larger groups settle better. Good company: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.

Where does Slender Bitterling come from?

Native to Japan & the Korean Peninsula, where it lives in clear streams, rivers and still waters. Moderate flow; Average oxygen needs.

How does Slender Bitterling breed?

Spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.