Plesiomyzon baotingensis

Family: Balitoridae

Plesiomyzon baotingensis — a Balitoridae from Hainan, China, calm but assertive around its chosen perch. Reaches 2.8–4.2 cm; singly or in a loose group on open rockwork. 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
2.8–4.2 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling on rock surfaces
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Calm but assertive around its chosen perch
Origin
Hainan, China

Species overview

A Balitoridae species native to Hainan, China: Plesiomyzon baotingensis lives bottom-dwelling on rock surfaces over fast-flowing mountain streams, clinging to rocks. Calm but assertive around its chosen perch. Adults reach 2.8–4.2 cm. In a community tank it pairs well with Other cool-water stream fish.

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
Singly or in a loose group on open rockwork
Diet
Grazes rock surfaces; feed spirulina-rich foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Other cool-water stream fish — Share the need for oxygen and flow
Avoid keeping with
  • Large aggressive cichlids — Disrupt the calm grazing regime

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Difficult to distinguish
Breeding method
Spawning unknown in home aquaria

Frequently asked questions

Is Plesiomyzon baotingensis easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: calm but assertive around its chosen perch; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Plesiomyzon baotingensis 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 Plesiomyzon baotingensis get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 2.8–4.2 cm; it is bottom-dwelling on rock surfaces. Plan for at least 25 litres.

What does Plesiomyzon baotingensis eat?

Grazes rock surfaces; feed spirulina-rich foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Plesiomyzon baotingensis live with other fish?

Calm but assertive around its chosen perch. Recommended tankmates: Other cool-water stream fish — Share the need for oxygen and flow. Avoid Large aggressive cichlids — Disrupt the calm grazing regime.

Where does Plesiomyzon baotingensis come from?

Its home waters are Hainan, China — fast-flowing mountain streams, clinging to rocks, with very strong, highly oxygenated current.

How does Plesiomyzon baotingensis breed?

Spawning unknown in home aquaria. Difficult to distinguish.