Family: Odontobutidae
Micropercops cinctus — a Odontobutidae from eastern China, peaceful but territorial toward its own kind. Reaches 4.7–6.8 cm; a bonded pair claims one cave; keep others elsewhere. 18–26 °C.
Micropercops cinctus, a member of the family Odontobutidae, comes from eastern China, where it inhabits warm freshwater streams and lakes. Peaceful but territorial toward its own kind and small carnivore — live, frozen and fine sinking foods, it grows to 4.7–6.8 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 18–26 °C range. Other Micropercops species in our database include Micropercops swinhonis.
Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful but territorial toward its own kind; a bonded pair claims one cave; keep others elsewhere.
Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
Adults reach 4.7–6.8 cm; it is middle of the water column. Plan for at least 55 litres.
Small carnivore — live, frozen and fine sinking foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Yes, with care. Peaceful but territorial toward its own kind — pair it with Non-goby bottom fish — Ignore its territorial posturing and skip Large aggressive fish — Shatter its sense of cover.
Its home waters are eastern China — warm freshwater streams and lakes, with still to gentle current.
Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.
In the aquarium: hidden-clutch spawner with paternal care. Subtle external differences.