Formosania tinkhami

Family: Balitoridae

Formosania tinkhami — a Balitoridae freshwater fish. Reaches 7.5–11 cm; keep at 22–24 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–24 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
7.5–11 cm
Minimum tank
145 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful; territorial over a favourite perch

Species overview

Formosania tinkhami is a Balitoridae. In the aquarium it stays peaceful. Plan on 7.5–11 cm of adult fish at 22–24 °C. Related profiles: Formosania lacustre.

Native biotope

Habitat
Fast-flowing mountain streams, clinging to rocks
Flow
Very strong, highly oxygenated current
Dissolved O₂
Requires very high dissolved oxygen

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Bare rock and coarse gravel
Hardscape
Large smooth boulders
Plants
Minimal; algae-covered stones instead

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Keep in a small group with enough perches
Diet
Herbivorous grazer; algae and spirina foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Difficult to distinguish
Breeding method
Not bred in home aquaria

Frequently asked questions

Is Formosania tinkhami easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful; territorial over a favourite perch. Keep in a small group with enough perches.

What temperature and water chemistry does Formosania tinkhami need?

Set the heater to 22–24 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Formosania tinkhami get, and what tank size?

Expect 7.5–11 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 145 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Formosania tinkhami eat?

Herbivorous grazer; algae and spirina foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Formosania tinkhami live with other fish?

Peaceful; territorial over a favourite perch; keep in a small group with enough perches. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Formosania tinkhami come from?

Its habitat is fast-flowing mountain streams, clinging to rocks — very strong, highly oxygenated current, requires very high dissolved oxygen.

How does Formosania tinkhami breed?

Not bred in home aquaria. Difficult to distinguish.