Triplophysa dalaica

Family: Nemacheilidae

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. In the wild it prefers hill-streams and riffles over pebbles; in the aquarium it stays mostly peaceful. Plan on 9.8–14.4 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. Related profiles: Triplophysa bleekeri, Triplophysa leptosoma, Triplophysa markehenensis.

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
Avoid keeping with: Large predators — Loaches are on the menu

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Females rounder-bodied
Breeding method: Egg-scatterer; no parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Triplophysa dalaica easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time. Gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended.

What temperature and water chemistry does Triplophysa dalaica need?

Hold 18–26 °C and keep it stable — 18–26 °C typical for the genus. Cooler, stable range preferred.

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

Full size is 9.8–14.4 cm. Minimum tank: 249 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Triplophysa dalaica eat?

Unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Triplophysa dalaica live with other fish?

Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time. Recommended tankmates: Small calm cyprinids — Occupy a different water layer. Avoid Large predators — Loaches are on the menu.

Where does Triplophysa dalaica come from?

Comes from Tibetan Plateau waters: hill-streams and riffles over pebbles. Expect strong, well-oxygenated current and requires well-oxygenated water.

How does Triplophysa dalaica breed?

In the aquarium: egg-scatterer; no parental care. Females rounder-bodied.