Triplophysa pseudoscleroptera

Family: Nemacheilidae

Triplophysa pseudoscleroptera — 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

A Nemacheilidae species native to Tibetan Plateau waters: Triplophysa pseudoscleroptera lives bottom-dwelling over pebbles. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Adults reach 9.8–14.4 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
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 Triplophysa pseudoscleroptera 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 Triplophysa pseudoscleroptera need?

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

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

Expect 9.8–14.4 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 249 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Triplophysa pseudoscleroptera eat?

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

Can Triplophysa pseudoscleroptera live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand — pair it with Small calm cyprinids — Occupy a different water layer and skip Large predators — Loaches are on the menu.

Where does Triplophysa pseudoscleroptera 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 Triplophysa pseudoscleroptera breed?

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