Pale Chub

COMMON NAMES: Pale Chub or Zacco.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Zacco platypus.

DESIGNATION: Coldwater.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Far East.

SIZE: Around 18 cm (c. 7 in).

WATER PREFERENCES: Not critical in terms ofpH, but well-aerated, filtered conditions arepreferred.

DIET: All foods.

BREEDING: The sexes are quite easy todifferentiate, for males have a longer anal finthan females. They also develop nuptialtubercles, in a similar may to many othercoldwater Cyprinids. No reports of successfulaquarium spawnings are yet available.

DESCRIPTION: Z. platypus is arelatively recent import into Europe fromJapan. It is a fast-swimming fish withexcellent jumping ability. A good aquariumcover is, therefore, essential.