Gogangra viridescens

Scientific name: Gogangra viridescens

Common name: N/A

Family: Sisoridae

Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 10 cm (3.15 - 3.94 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.1 - 7.2

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 6 - 18°N (107.14 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 20 - 26 °C (68 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Overview

Gogangra viridescens is a bottom-dwelling freshwater fish belonging to the family Sisoridae. Native to the rivers of Bengal and India, these fish thrive in well-oxygenated waters with a steady current. They are peaceful and best kept in small shoals, making them a suitable addition to community aquariums with other fast-swimming species.

Origin and Natural Habitat

Gogangra viridescens are native to Bengal and India, where they inhabit fast-flowing rivers and streams. These waters are rich in oxygen and provide natural hiding places such as rocks, submerged logs, and plant roots. Their environment is characterized by moderate to strong currents, making them well-adapted to aquariums with good water movement.

Appearance and Size

These fish are small to medium-sized bottom dwellers, reaching about 8 - 10 cm (3.15 - 3.94 inches) in length. Their streamlined body shape is designed for navigating fast-flowing waters, and they typically exhibit a muted coloration that helps them blend into their natural surroundings.

Tank Requirements

Tank Size: A minimum of 75 liters (~20 gallons) is recommended, especially for small groups.
Water Parameters:

pH: 6.1 - 7.2
Water Hardness: 6 - 18°N (107 - 321 ppm)
Temperature: 20 - 26°C (68 - 78.8°F)

Tank Setup: Ensure well-oxygenated water with moderate to strong currents. Use a high-quality filter and additional aeration if necessary. Provide hiding spots with rocks, driftwood, or bogwood, while maintaining open areas for swimming.

Temperament and Tank Mates

Gogangra viridescens are peaceful shoaling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 4 individuals to encourage natural behavior. They coexist well with other non-aggressive, fast-swimming species such as danios, peaceful barbs, rasboras, and other river-dwelling fish.

Avoid keeping them with large, aggressive fish that may outcompete them for food or intimidate them.

Feeding and Diet

These fish accept a variety of foods but show a preference for live and frozen options:

High-quality flake or pellet food as a staple diet
Live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, shrimp pellets, and brine shrimp
Occasional supplementation with algae wafers or blanched vegetables

Providing a varied diet helps maintain their health and natural foraging behaviors.

Sexing

There are no visible differences between males and females, making sexing difficult without close observation of breeding behaviors.

Breeding

There are no known cases of successful breeding of Gogangra viridescens in home aquariums. Their reproductive habits in captivity remain largely undocumented, though they are believed to be egg scatterers in the wild.

Lifespan

With proper care, these fish can live between 5 to 8 years in a well-maintained aquarium.

Conclusion

Gogangra viridescens is an intriguing bottom-dwelling species well-suited for aquariums with fast-moving water. Their peaceful temperament, shoaling nature, and low maintenance requirements make them a great choice for aquarists looking to create a natural riverine setup. With proper care, stable water conditions, and a suitable diet, these fish will thrive and add activity to the lower levels of a freshwater tank.