Tonkin Bitterling

Acheilognathus tonkinensis

Tonkin Bitterling is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 8+.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 8+Beginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Tonkin Bitterling?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
Aquarium size: ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 64–75°F (18–24°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH: 5–15 dGH
KH: 3–10 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 8+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 18–24 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH, KH 3–10 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Tonkin Bitterling is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Tonkin Bitterling should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer varied foods including plant material; freshwater mussels relate to breeding, not a routine mandatory husbandry item.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 8+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Vietnam, China, Laos.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C) Bandtail Tetra Moenkhausia dichroura Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia nigrans Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Blood Tailed Danio Devario annandalei Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Tonkin Bitterling get?

Tonkin Bitterling reaches ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm).

What aquarium size does Tonkin Bitterling need?

Use an aquarium of at least ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Tonkin Bitterling peaceful?

Yes. Tonkin Bitterling is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Tonkin Bitterling?

Keep it between 18 to 24 °C.

Should Tonkin Bitterling be kept alone or in a group?

Tonkin Bitterling: Keep in a loose group of 8+.