Yellow River Loach (Triplophysa pappenheimi)

Family: Nemacheilidae

Yellow River Loach — a Nemacheilidae from Tibetan Plateau waters, peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Reaches 9.8–14.4 cm; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. 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: Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand
Origin: Tibetan Plateau waters

Species overview

Triplophysa pappenheimi 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 9.8–14.4 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. Related profiles: 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: Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy
Diet: Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods
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: Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned

Frequently asked questions

Is Yellow River Loach easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy.

What temperature and water chemistry does Yellow River Loach 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 Yellow River Loach get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 9.8–14.4 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 249 litres.

What does Yellow River Loach eat?

Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Yellow River Loach live with other fish?

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.

Where does Yellow River Loach come from?

Native to Tibetan Plateau waters, where it lives in hill-streams and riffles over pebbles. Strong, well-oxygenated current; Requires well-oxygenated water.

How does Yellow River Loach breed?

In the aquarium: spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned. Females rounder-bodied.