Pseudobagrus vachellii

Family: Bagridae

A peaceful omnivore bagridae from the Yangtze, Yellow and Pearl rivers of China — moderate care.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
29.6–42.3 cm
Minimum tank
423 L
Water layer
Bottom; rests and forages low
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful
Origin
中国长江、黄河、珠江等水系

Species overview

A Bagridae species: Pseudobagrus vachellii lives bottom; rests and forages low over clear streams, rivers and still waters. Peaceful. Adults reach 29.6–42.3 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Pseudobagrus species we profile, alongside Pseudobagrus crassilabris, Pseudobagrus pratti, Pseudobagrus truncatus.

Native biotope

Habitat
Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow
Moderate flow
Dissolved O₂
Average oxygen needs

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Smooth gravel and sand with open floor space
Hardscape
Driftwood, water-worn stones and shelters that mimic the native biotope
Plants
Hardy plants on hardscape; keep the floor open

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Solitary, pairs or small groups
Diet
Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety
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 keeping with
  • Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk
  • Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes

Frequently asked questions

Is Pseudobagrus vachellii easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful. Solitary, pairs or small groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does Pseudobagrus vachellii need?

Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Pseudobagrus vachellii get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 29.6–42.3 cm; it is bottom; rests and forages low. Plan for at least 423 litres.

What does Pseudobagrus vachellii eat?

Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety. It forages naturally over smooth gravel and sand with open floor space, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Pseudobagrus vachellii live with other fish?

Peaceful; solitary, pairs or small groups. Good company: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.

Where does Pseudobagrus vachellii come from?

Its home waters are 中国长江、黄河、珠江等水系 — clear streams, rivers and still waters, with moderate flow.

How does Pseudobagrus vachellii breed?

In the aquarium: spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.