Family: Cyprinidae
A peaceful algivore cyprinidae from the Yangtze, Yellow and Pearl rivers of China — moderate care.
Xenocypris macrolepis is a Cyprinidae from Yellow River basin, China. In the wild it prefers clear streams, rivers and still waters; in the aquarium it stays peaceful. Plan on 24.2–34.6 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. Related profiles: Xenocypris davidi, Xenocypris fangi, Xenocypris yunnanensis.
Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful. Keep 5+; 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.
Adults reach 24.2–34.6 cm; it is mid-water swimmer; keep 5+. Plan for at least 346 litres.
Algivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Peaceful. 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 Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.
Comes from Yellow River basin, China: clear streams, rivers and still waters. Expect moderate flow and average oxygen needs.
In the aquarium: spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.