Triplophysa tenuis

Family: Nemacheilidae

Triplophysa tenuis — a Nemacheilidae freshwater fish. Reaches 12.8–18.7 cm; keep at 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 18–26 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 12.8–18.7 cm
Minimum tank: 420 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful, active bottom-dweller

Species overview

Triplophysa tenuis of the family Nemacheilidae is an aquarium-kept Nemacheilidae. Peaceful, active bottom-dweller and omnivore; sinking granules and frozen foods, it grows to 12.8–18.7 cm and prefers 18–26 °C water. Other Triplophysa species in our database include 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: Gregarious; keep in groups
Diet: Omnivore; sinking granules and frozen foods
Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with: Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Females rounder-bodied
Breeding method: Rarely bred in captivity

Frequently asked questions

Is Triplophysa tenuis easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: peaceful, active bottom-dweller; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Triplophysa tenuis need?

Aim for 18–26 °C. Cooler, stable range preferred; 18–26 °C typical for the genus.

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

Full size is 12.8–18.7 cm. Minimum tank: 420 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Triplophysa tenuis eat?

Omnivore; sinking granules and frozen foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Triplophysa tenuis live with other fish?

Peaceful, active bottom-dweller. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Triplophysa tenuis come from?

It lives in hill-streams and riffles over pebbles. Strong, well-oxygenated current; Requires well-oxygenated water.

How does Triplophysa tenuis breed?

Rarely bred in captivity. Females rounder-bodied.