Family: Nemacheilidae
Triplophysa scleroptera — 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.
Triplophysa scleroptera, a member of the family Nemacheilidae, comes from Tibetan Plateau waters, where it inhabits hill-streams and riffles over pebbles. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand and omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods, it grows to 9.8–14.4 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 18–26 °C range. Other Triplophysa species in our database include Triplophysa bleekeri, Triplophysa dalaica, Triplophysa leptosoma.
Intermediate difficulty. 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.
Expect 9.8–14.4 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 249 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
Yes, with care. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand — pair it with Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict and skip Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters.
Its home waters are Tibetan Plateau waters — hill-streams and riffles over pebbles, with strong, well-oxygenated current.
Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned. Females rounder-bodied.