Native Chinese species: bitterling, paradise fish, and more

The native Chinese freshwater species are some of the most under-represented and most beautiful fish in the ornamental hobby, and the species that have made it into the Western hobby are the species that have been carried by a small number of dedicated importers and breeders across the decades. The Chinese bitterling, the paradise fish, the white cloud mountain minnow, the Chinese hillstream loach — these are fish that have been kept by Chinese aquarists for centuries, that are part of the cultural and natural heritage of China, and that are increasingly being recognized by the global hobby as the wonderful aquarium fish that they are. The Chinese aquarium hobby has a long and rich history, and the native Chinese species are the foundation of that history.

This article is going to walk you through the native Chinese freshwater species that are well-suited to the home aquarium — the bitterling (Rhodeus spp.), the paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis), the white cloud mountain minnow (Tanichthys albonubes), the Chinese hillstream loach (Beaufortia, Gastromyzon, and related genera), the Chinese algae eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, now widely captive-bred), the Chinese danio or white cloud (related species), and a few others. The care requirements, the breeding notes, the legal considerations (because some species are protected), and the conservation considerations (because some species are threatened in the wild). I am an ornamental fish breeder and historian, and the Chinese native species are the foundation of my breeding work. The species are the heritage. The species are the future.

The article is written for the hobbyist who is interested in the Chinese native species — either as an addition to a community tank or as a specialist biotope. The framework is the practical care, the legal and conservation considerations, and the breeding notes for the species that are well-established in the hobby.

The white cloud mountain minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)

The white cloud mountain minnow is the most famous of the Chinese native aquarium fish, and the species is sometimes called "the working man's neon" because of its bright coloration and its hardiness in a wide range of water conditions. The species is native to the streams and rivers of the White Cloud Mountain (Baiyunshan) in Guangdong Province, and the species was first brought to the Western hobby in the 1930s. The species was thought to be extinct in the wild in the 1980s (due to habitat loss and pollution), but the species was rediscovered in a few isolated populations and has been the subject of conservation efforts. The species is now widely captive-bred, and the aquarium trade is no longer dependent on wild-caught specimens.

Care requirements: the white cloud is a small (3–4 cm), peaceful, schooling fish that does well in a community tank. The species tolerates a wide range of water conditions (pH 6.5–8.0, temperature 16–22°C, with the lower end of the temperature range preferred). The species does not require a heater in most home aquariums, which makes the species one of the few tropical-looking fish that can be kept in an unheated tank. The species is omnivorous, accepting flake food, small pellets, and frozen or live foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms).

Breeding notes: the white cloud is one of the easiest egg-laying fish to breed. The pair spawns in a planted tank (with fine-leaved plants like java moss or spawning mops), the eggs hatch in 36–48 hours, and the fry are free-swimming within 3–4 days. The fry are raised on infusoria, then newly hatched brine shrimp.

Varieties: the standard wild-type (with the red tail and the iridescent body), the gold variant (entirely gold with the red tail), the long-finned variant (with extended fins), and the "Hong Kong" variant (a more recent introduction from Hong Kong). The gold variant is the most popular in the modern hobby.

Conservation status: the wild population is threatened, but the captive population is large and healthy. The aquarium hobby is not a threat to the wild population (the trade is based on captive-bred specimens), and the species is a good example of a fish that has been saved by the aquarium hobby.

The paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis)

The paradise fish is one of the most beautiful and most aggressive of the small gourami-like labyrinth fish. The species is native to the slow-moving fresh waters of southern China, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and the species has been kept by Chinese aquarists for centuries. The species was one of the first ornamental fish exported from East Asia to Europe, in the 19th century, and the species was the first tropical fish to be kept in European aquaria. The species is sometimes called "the fighting fish of China" because of the males' aggressive behavior, similar to the better-known Betta splendens of Thailand.

Care requirements: the paradise fish is a medium-sized (10–12 cm), aggressive fish that does best in a species-only tank or in a tank with very robust, fast-moving tankmates (large danios, large barbs). The species cannot be kept with smaller, slower fish (the smaller fish are harassed or killed). The species is a labyrinth fish (it breathes air at the surface), and the species requires access to the water surface. The species tolerates a wide range of water conditions (pH 6.0–8.0, temperature 16–26°C), and the species is one of the more cold-tolerant of the tropical fish.

Breeding notes: the paradise fish is a bubble-nest breeder, similar to the betta. The male builds a bubble nest at the surface, the pair spawns under the nest, the eggs float up into the nest, and the male guards the nest until the fry are free-swimming. The breeding is straightforward, but the male should be removed after spawning to prevent him from attacking the female.

Varieties: the standard wild-type (with the blue and red coloration and the elongated fins), the albino variant (with reduced pigmentation), the concolor variant (a solid-color variant), and various line-bred variants with enhanced finnage.

Conservation status: the wild population is stable, and the aquarium trade is based on captive-bred specimens. The species is not threatened.

The bitterling (Rhodeus spp.)

The bitterling is one of the most unique of the Chinese native fish, and the species has one of the most unusual reproductive strategies in the animal kingdom. The female bitterling develops a long ovipositor (an egg-laying tube) and inserts the ovipositor into the siphon of a freshwater mussel, depositing the eggs inside the mussel's gill chamber. The male releases sperm near the mussel, the sperm is drawn in by the mussel's filter-feeding, and the eggs are fertilized inside the mussel. The eggs develop inside the mussel for 2–4 weeks, and the fry emerge from the mussel as fully-formed miniature fish. The relationship is a mutualism (the bitterling larvae do not harm the mussel, and the mussel provides protection for the developing eggs).

Care requirements: the bitterling is a small (5–8 cm), peaceful, schooling fish that does well in a species tank or in a peaceful community tank. The species requires a tank with live freshwater mussels for breeding (the bitterling cannot breed without the mussels), and the species is more often kept as a non-breeding display fish. The species tolerates a wide range of water conditions (pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 16–24°C), and the species is omnivorous, accepting flake food, small pellets, and frozen or live foods.

Breeding notes: the breeding requires live freshwater mussels, and the breeding is one of the most fascinating natural history observations in the aquarium hobby. The species is not for the casual hobbyist, but the species is a wonderful addition to the dedicated hobbyist's tank.

Species commonly kept: the rosy bitterling (Rhodeus ocellatus), the Korean bitterling (Rhodeus pseudosericeus), the Chinese bitterling (Rhodeus sinensis), and a number of other species in the Rhodeus genus. The species are similar in care requirements and in breeding biology.

Conservation status: the wild populations of many Rhodeus species are threatened by habitat loss and pollution. The species is a candidate for conservation aquaculture, and the species is increasingly being captive-bred for the aquarium trade and for conservation reintroduction.

The Chinese hillstream loach (Beaufortia, Gastromyzon, and related genera)

The Chinese hillstream loach (and the related Southeast Asian hillstream loaches, which are often grouped with the Chinese species) is a small, flattened, algae-eating fish that is native to the fast-flowing, highly oxygenated streams and rivers of southern China and Southeast Asia. The species is uniquely adapted to life in fast-flowing water, with a flattened body, a sucker mouth, and enlarged pectoral and pelvic fins that allow the fish to cling to rocks in the current.

Care requirements: the hillstream loach requires a tank that mimics the natural fast-flowing environment — a tank with a strong current, with high oxygenation, with smooth rocks and a sand or fine gravel substrate, and with cooler water (16–24°C). The species is a sensitive fish that does not tolerate poor water quality, and the species requires a well-established tank with stable parameters. The species is an algae and biofilm grazer, and the species does best in a tank with established algae growth (the species should not be added to a brand-new tank).

Breeding notes: the hillstream loach is bred in captivity, but the breeding is more challenging than for the white cloud or the paradise fish. The breeding requires specific water conditions (soft, slightly acidic, highly oxygenated), specific spawning sites (smooth rocks in the current), and specific feeding (live foods for conditioning). The breeding is for the dedicated hobbyist.

Species commonly kept: the Borneo sucker (Gastromyzon spp.), the Hong Kong sucker (Beaufortia spp.), and a number of other genera. The species are all similar in care requirements, and the species are often grouped together in the hobby.

Conservation status: the wild populations of many hillstream loach species are threatened by habitat loss (the rapid-flowing streams are being dammed or polluted) and by over-collection for the aquarium trade. The species is a candidate for conservation aquaculture, and the species is increasingly being captive-bred for the aquarium trade.

The Chinese algae eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri)

The Chinese algae eater is one of the most common fish in the aquarium hobby, and the species is often sold as an algae-control fish for community tanks. The species is native to the slow-moving fresh waters of mainland Southeast Asia (including southern China), and the species is widely captive-bred. The species is a moderate-sized (15–25 cm), active algae-grazer that can be a useful addition to a large community tank.

Care requirements: the Chinese algae eater is a hardy, adaptable fish that tolerates a wide range of water conditions. The species is a peaceful juvenile, but the species becomes increasingly aggressive and territorial as it matures. The mature Chinese algae eater is often a problem in a community tank (the mature fish latches onto the sides of the slow-moving tankmates, producing a wound that can become infected). The species is best kept in a large tank (75+ gallons) with robust, fast-moving tankmates, or in a species tank.

Breeding notes: the breeding is challenging, and the species is almost universally wild-caught or commercially captive-bred (the commercial breeding is done in large ponds in Southeast Asia). The home breeding is rare and is for the dedicated hobbyist.

Conservation status: the wild population is stable, and the aquarium trade is based on commercial captive breeding. The species is not threatened.

Other native Chinese species worth considering

A few more species that are less common in the Western hobby but that are worth considering for the dedicated hobbyist:

The Chinese danio (Tanichthys micagemmae). A close relative of the white cloud, native to a small region in northern Vietnam (technically not China, but often included in the discussion of Chinese native species). The species is small, peaceful, and suitable for a community tank.

The Chinese firebelly newt (Cynops orientalis). A small, semi-aquatic salamander that is native to China. The species is brightly colored (the belly is red or orange) and is a popular pet in the amphibian hobby. The species requires a semi-aquatic setup (a tank with both water and a land area) and a cool temperature (16–20°C).

The Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). A medium-sized freshwater turtle that is native to China and East Asia. The species is commonly farmed for food in China, and the species is also kept as a pet. The species requires a large aquatic setup with a basking area.

The Chinese mantis (Tenodera sinensis). A large praying mantis that is native to China. The species is one of the most popular mantis species in the hobby, and the species is easy to keep in a small terrarium with appropriate prey (flies, crickets, moths).

These are less common in the Western hobby, but the species are all available from specialty breeders and importers, and the species are all suitable for the dedicated hobbyist.

The legal and conservation considerations

The native Chinese species are subject to a number of legal and conservation considerations, and the hobbyist who is interested in the species should be aware of the considerations.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Some of the Chinese native species are listed under CITES Appendix II, which regulates the international trade. The species in Appendix II can be traded internationally, but the trade must be documented and the specimens must be from a legal source. The owner who is interested in a CITES-listed species should verify that the species is being traded legally, and should keep the documentation.

The national laws of China. The export of native Chinese species is regulated by the Chinese government, and the export of some species is prohibited. The species that are prohibited for export cannot be legally traded internationally, and the possession of an illegally exported specimen is a violation of the Chinese law (and, in some cases, of the laws of the country where the specimen is possessed).

The national laws of the importing country. The import of native species is regulated by the destination country, and some countries prohibit the import of certain species. The hobbyist who is interested in importing a species should verify the import regulations of the destination country.

The conservation status of the species. The IUCN Red List and the Chinese national Red List provide information on the conservation status of the species. The species that are listed as "Endangered" or "Critically Endangered" should be sourced from captive-bred specimens, and the species should not be collected from the wild. The hobbyist who is interested in a threatened species should verify the conservation status and should source the species from a responsible breeder.

The responsible sourcing. The hobbyist who is interested in the native Chinese species should source the species from a responsible breeder or importer. The responsible breeder or importer can provide documentation of the legal origin of the species, can provide information on the captive breeding program, and can support the conservation of the species. The hobbyist who buys a species from a non-responsible source is contributing to the illegal trade and is contributing to the decline of the wild population.

The biotope approach

A specific approach that is worth considering for the native Chinese species is the biotope approach — the tank is set up to mimic a specific natural habitat, with the fish, the plants, the substrate, the décor, and the water parameters all consistent with the habitat. The biotope approach is a more involved setup than the standard community tank, but the biotope approach is also a more rewarding setup for the dedicated hobbyist, because the biotope approach produces a slice of a real Chinese stream or river in the home.

The typical Chinese biotope setup includes:

• Substrate: smooth river pebbles, sand, or fine gravel.

• Décor: smooth river stones, driftwood (Chinese or southeast Asian hardwoods), and (for the hillstream setup) large flat rocks with a strong current.

• Plants: native Chinese aquatic plants (Vallisneria, Cryptocoryne, Blyxa, Hydrilla, Ottelia) or plants from similar Asian habitats.

• Water parameters: the parameters for the specific habitat (the white cloud biotope is soft, slightly acidic, cool; the paradise fish biotope is harder, more neutral, warmer; the hillstream biotope is hard, alkaline, cool with high oxygen).

• Fish: the species from the habitat, kept in species-appropriate numbers and sex ratios.

The biotope approach is the most respectful way to keep the native Chinese species, because the biotope approach honors the natural history of the species and the habitat from which the species came. The biotope approach is also the most educational, because the biotope approach teaches the hobbyist about the natural history of the species and the conservation of the habitat.

The bottom line

The native Chinese species are some of the most under-represented and most beautiful fish in the ornamental hobby. The white cloud mountain minnow, the paradise fish, the bitterling, the Chinese hillstream loach, and the other native species are wonderful aquarium fish that deserve a place in the modern hobby. The species are hardy, the species are interesting, and the species are part of the cultural and natural heritage of China.

The right care is species-specific, but the right care is also well-documented. The right sourcing is the responsible breeder or importer, with documentation of the legal origin. The right conservation awareness is the understanding of the threats to the wild populations and the support for the conservation efforts. The right approach is the biotope approach, for the dedicated hobbyist, and the community approach, for the casual hobbyist.

The native Chinese species are the heritage. The native Chinese species are the future. The hobbyist who keeps the species is the hobbyist who supports the conservation of the species and the habitat. The hobbyist who keeps the species is the hobbyist who contributes to the long-term survival of the species. The contribution is the framework above. The framework, applied with awareness, is the right preparation.

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About the author

Liu Wei is an ornamental fish breeder, historian, and conservation advocate specializing in the native Chinese freshwater species and the long history of the Chinese aquarium hobby. He has worked with both hobbyist breeders and the Chinese ornamental fish industry on the documentation, conservation, and sustainable use of the native species, and writes regularly on the history, biology, and conservation of the Chinese freshwater ichthyofauna.