Family: Balitoridae
A peaceful algivore balitoridae from the upper Yangtze in China (Mt. Emei, Sichuan) — moderate care.
Metahomaloptera omeiensis, a member of the family Balitoridae, comes from upper Yangtze, China, where it inhabits clear streams, rivers and still waters. Peaceful and algivore; quality prepared foods with variety, it grows to 4.2–6 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 18–26 °C range. Other Metahomaloptera species in our database include Metahomaloptera longicauda.
Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful; solitary, pairs or small groups.
Hold 18–26 °C and keep it stable — community-standard range; verify locally. Standard heater to hold the mid-range steadily.
Adults reach 4.2–6 cm; it is bottom; rests and forages low. Plan for at least 60 litres.
Algivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Peaceful. Recommended tankmates: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.
Its home waters are upper Yangtze, China — clear streams, rivers and still waters, with strong current with heavy aeration.
In the aquarium: spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.