Metahomaloptera longicauda — a Balitoridae from southern Chinese mountain streams, peaceful grazer; squabbles are brief pushes. Reaches 4.5–6.6 cm; loosely social; crowding causes endless pushing. 18–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
4.5–6.6 cm
Minimum tank
52 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling on rock surfaces
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful grazer; squabbles are brief pushes
Origin
southern Chinese mountain streams
Species overview
Metahomaloptera longicauda, a member of the family Balitoridae, is native to southern Chinese mountain streams. Its sucker belly is made for mountain rapids — still, warm water suffocates it faster than any disease. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 4.5–6.6 cm. Loosely social; crowding causes endless pushing. Provide strong flow, cool temperatures and mature algae-covered rockwork; keep it below 26 °C. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.
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
Loosely social; crowding causes endless pushing
Diet
Algae and biofilm specialist; supplement with wafers
Recommended tankmates
Hillstream loaches of similar size — Graze side by side on open stone
Avoid keeping with
Warm-water community fish — Need different temperatures
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Difficult to distinguish
Breeding method
Breeding rarely reported in aquaria; presumed egg-scatterer