Family: Nemacheilidae
Triplophysa orientalis — a Nemacheilidae from Tibetan Plateau waters, peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Reaches 12.6–18.5 cm; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. 18–26 °C.
Triplophysa orientalis is a Nemacheilidae from Tibetan Plateau waters. In the wild it prefers hill-streams and riffles over pebbles; in the aquarium it stays peaceful bottom-dweller. Plan on 12.6–18.5 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. Related profiles: Triplophysa bleekeri, Triplophysa dalaica, Triplophysa leptosoma.
Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy.
Hold 18–26 °C and keep it stable — 18–26 °C typical for the genus. Cooler, stable range preferred.
Adults reach 12.6–18.5 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 411 litres.
Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods. It forages naturally over smooth pebbles and coarse sand, so let some food reach the bottom.
Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. Good company: Small calm cyprinids — Occupy a different water layer. Keep away from Large predators — Loaches are on the menu.
Comes from Tibetan Plateau waters: hill-streams and riffles over pebbles. Expect strong, well-oxygenated current and requires well-oxygenated water.
In the aquarium: spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned. Females rounder-bodied.