Triplophysa robusta

Family: Nemacheilidae

Triplophysa robusta — 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 robusta 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
  • Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict
Avoid keeping with
  • Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females rounder-bodied
Breeding method
Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned

Frequently asked questions

Is Triplophysa robusta easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy.

What temperature and water chemistry does Triplophysa robusta 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 Triplophysa robusta get, and what tank size?

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

What does Triplophysa robusta eat?

Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods. It forages naturally over smooth pebbles and coarse sand, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Triplophysa robusta live with other fish?

Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. Good company: Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict. Keep away from Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters.

Where does Triplophysa robusta come from?

Its home waters are Tibetan Plateau waters — hill-streams and riffles over pebbles, with strong, well-oxygenated current.

How does Triplophysa robusta breed?

Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned. Females rounder-bodied.