Triplophysa dalaica — a Nemacheilidae from Tibetan Plateau waters, mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time. Reaches 9.8–14.4 cm; gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended. 18–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
9.8–14.4 cm
Minimum tank
249 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time
Origin
Tibetan Plateau waters
Species overview
Triplophysa dalaica is a Nemacheilidae from Tibetan Plateau waters. Half of its life happens after dark; give it fine sand and it will reward you with natural foraging. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 9.8–14.4 cm. Gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended. Use a soft sand bed and feed sinking foods; coarse gravel wears down its sensory barbels. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Undemanding once its core needs are met.
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 bottom fish; 5 or more recommended
Diet
Unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim
Recommended tankmates
Small calm cyprinids — Occupy a different water layer