A small, peaceful algivore balitoridae that grazes algae off stones in swift Chinese mountain streams — moderate care.
Care parameters
Water temperature
20–25 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
7–9 dGH
Adult length
3.5–5 cm
Minimum tank
50 L
Water layer
Bottom; rests and forages low
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful
Origin
东亚淡水水系
Species overview
Pseudogastromyzon cheni is a Balitoridae. In the aquarium it stays peaceful. Plan on 3.5–5 cm of adult fish at 20–25 °C. Related profiles: Pseudogastromyzon fasciatus, Pseudogastromyzon myersi, Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis.
Native biotope
Habitat
Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow
Strong current with heavy aeration
Dissolved O₂
Demands high dissolved oxygen
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Gravel
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
Algivore; quality prepared foods with variety
Recommended tankmates
Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs
Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs
Striped Bitterling — 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
Egg-scatterer over fine plants; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes
Frequently asked questions
How is P. cheni different from P. myersi?
Both are small Hong Kong-region hillstream loaches with near-identical care. P. cheni tends to be smaller with finer patterning; precise identification often needs expert examination.
How many can I keep together?
They are social grazers and do well in groups of three or more, spreading across the stone field. More loaches simply means more supplementary feeding.
Is it protected in the wild?
Its habitat — Hong Kong's mountain streams — enjoys real protection, and local conservation monitors stream health. In the trade, choose captive-bred or legally collected fish where possible.
Can I keep several together?
Yes — they are social grazers; a group of three or more distributes grazing pressure across the stone field and shows natural interactions.