Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis

Family: Balitoridae

Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis — a Balitoridae from southern Chinese mountain streams, peaceful grazer; squabbles are brief pushes. Reaches 5.8–8.5 cm; loosely social; crowding causes endless pushing. 20–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
20–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
7–15 dGH
Adult length
5.8–8.5 cm
Minimum tank
87 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful grazer; squabbles are brief pushes
Origin
southern Chinese mountain streams

Species overview

Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis is a Balitoridae from southern Chinese mountain streams. In the wild it prefers fast-flowing mountain streams, clinging to rocks; in the aquarium it stays peaceful grazer. Plan on 5.8–8.5 cm of adult fish at 20–26 °C. Related profiles: Pseudogastromyzon cheni, Pseudogastromyzon fasciatus, Pseudogastromyzon myersi.

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
Loosely social; crowding causes endless pushing
Diet
Algae and biofilm specialist; supplement with wafers
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
Breeding rarely reported in aquaria; presumed egg-scatterer

Frequently asked questions

Is Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful grazer; squabbles are brief pushes. Loosely social; crowding causes endless pushing.

What temperature and water chemistry does Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis need?

Set the heater to 20–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 7–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 5.8–8.5 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 87 litres.

What does Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis eat?

Algae and biofilm specialist; supplement with wafers. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis live with other fish?

Peaceful grazer; squabbles are brief pushes. 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 Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis come from?

Native to southern Chinese mountain streams, where it lives in fast-flowing mountain streams, clinging to rocks. Very strong, highly oxygenated current; Requires very high dissolved oxygen.

How does Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis breed?

In the aquarium: breeding rarely reported in aquaria; presumed egg-scatterer. Difficult to distinguish.