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
From the waters of Hainan, China comes Plesiomyzon baotingensis, a member of the family Balitoridae. A torrent-lover built to clamp onto stone in fast, cool, highly oxygenated water; warmth is its enemy. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 2.8–4.2 cm. Singly or in a loose group on open rockwork. Aim for brisk current, high oxygen and real algae growth; a powerhead is not optional here. 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
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