Triplophysa bombifrons

Family: Nemacheilidae

Triplophysa bombifrons — a Nemacheilidae freshwater fish. Reaches 16.9–24.8 cm; keep at 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
16.9–24.8 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful, active bottom-dweller

Species overview

A Nemacheilidae species: Triplophysa bombifrons lives bottom-dwelling over pebbles. Peaceful, active bottom-dweller. Adults reach 16.9–24.8 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Triplophysa species we profile, alongside Triplophysa bleekeri, Triplophysa dalaica, Triplophysa leptosoma.

Native biotope

Habitat
Hill-streams and riffles over pebbles
Flow
Strong, well-oxygenated current
Dissolved O₂
Requires well-oxygenated water

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Smooth pebbles and coarse sand
Hardscape
Stacked stones forming crevices
Plants
Anubias and other hardy attachers

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Gregarious; keep in groups
Diet
Omnivore; sinking granules and frozen foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females rounder-bodied
Breeding method
Rarely bred in captivity

Frequently asked questions

Is Triplophysa bombifrons easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful, active bottom-dweller; gregarious; keep in groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does Triplophysa bombifrons need?

Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Triplophysa bombifrons get, and what tank size?

Full size is 16.9–24.8 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Triplophysa bombifrons eat?

Omnivore; sinking granules and frozen foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Triplophysa bombifrons live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Peaceful, active bottom-dweller — pair it with Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs and skip Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Triplophysa bombifrons come from?

Found in hill-streams and riffles over pebbles; expect strong, well-oxygenated current and requires well-oxygenated water.

How does Triplophysa bombifrons breed?

In the aquarium: rarely bred in captivity. Females rounder-bodied.