Osteochilus hasseltii

Alternative names

 * Hard-Lipped Barb, ,

Sexing

 * These fish are difficult to visually sex but mature females may be slightly broader in the mid-section when compared to slimmer males.

Tank compatibility

 * A generally peaceful large growing fish that should be kept with peaceful fish of similar size. Should not be a threat to smaller fish but avoid very small fish and fry, especially bottom dwelling. Thrive with their own species as long as they are in groups of 5 or more.

Diet

 * Primarily herbivorous and will eat the roots of plants and some algae. Feed sinking algae wafers and pellets as well as blanched veges. May take some live/frozen foods such as daphnia.

Feeding regime

 * Feed once or twice a day.

Environment Specifics

 * Requires a spacious tank with fine gravel substrate, sand will be kicked up and may damage filtration. Will uproot plants, this can be avoided by making sure they are well fed. The tank should be at least $$ to $$ in length, larger is better.

Behaviour

 * A mid-bottom dwelling peaceful Cyprinid which uses its strong lips to dig through the substrate looking for food.

Identification

 * An elongate oval fish with a tall and long triangular dorsal fin. The body is silver to olive-green to brown in colour with a pale belly and gold iridescence on the scales. The fins may have some red in them. The lips of this fish are thick and strong with one set of barbels.