Pseudogastromyzon laticeps

Family: Balitoridae

Pseudogastromyzon laticeps — a Balitoridae from southern Chinese mountain streams, peaceful grazer; squabbles are brief pushes. Reaches 4.5–6.6 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
4.5–6.6 cm
Minimum tank
52 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling on rock surfaces
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful grazer; squabbles are brief pushes
Origin
southern Chinese mountain streams

Species overview

A Balitoridae species native to southern Chinese mountain streams: Pseudogastromyzon laticeps lives bottom-dwelling on rock surfaces over fast-flowing mountain streams, clinging to rocks. Peaceful grazer; squabbles are brief pushes. Adults reach 4.5–6.6 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Pseudogastromyzon species we profile, alongside 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 laticeps easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: peaceful grazer; squabbles are brief pushes; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Pseudogastromyzon laticeps 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 laticeps get, and what tank size?

Full size is 4.5–6.6 cm. Minimum tank: 52 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling on rock surfaces habits.

What does Pseudogastromyzon laticeps eat?

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

Can Pseudogastromyzon laticeps 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 laticeps come from?

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

How does Pseudogastromyzon laticeps breed?

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