Family: Cyprinidae
Sinocyclocheilus anophthalmus — a Cyprinidae from cave waters of Yunnan & Guizhou, China, peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Reaches 11.2–16.5 cm; keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour. 18–26 °C.
A Cyprinidae species native to cave waters of Yunnan & Guizhou, China: Sinocyclocheilus anophthalmus lives active throughout the water column over gravel. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Adults reach 11.2–16.5 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Sinocyclocheilus species we profile, alongside Sinocyclocheilus grahami, Sinocyclocheilus angustiporus, Sinocyclocheilus cyphotergous.
Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates; keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour.
Aim for 18–26 °C. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin; 18–26 °C typical for the family.
Expect 11.2–16.5 cm as an adult, living active throughout the water column. A 327 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivore; prepared foods with regular variety. It forages naturally over fine gravel and sand, so let some food reach the bottom.
Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Compatible size and temperament. Avoid Fin-nippers — Constant stress.
Comes from cave waters of Yunnan & Guizhou, China: clear streams and rivers over gravel. Expect moderate, well-oxygenated current and appreciates well-oxygenated water.
Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.
Breeding is straightforward scatter-spawning. Males often slimmer and more colourful.