Triplophysa tibetana

Family: Nemacheilidae

Triplophysa tibetana — a Nemacheilidae freshwater fish. Reaches 10.4–15.3 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
10.4–15.3 cm
Minimum tank
281 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful, active bottom-dweller

Species overview

A Nemacheilidae species: Triplophysa tibetana lives bottom-dwelling over pebbles. Peaceful, active bottom-dweller. Adults reach 10.4–15.3 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
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 tibetana easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful, active bottom-dweller. Gregarious; keep in groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does Triplophysa tibetana need?

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

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

Adults reach 10.4–15.3 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 281 litres.

What does Triplophysa tibetana eat?

Omnivore; sinking granules and frozen foods. It forages naturally over smooth pebbles and coarse sand, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Triplophysa tibetana 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 tibetana come from?

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

How does Triplophysa tibetana breed?

In the aquarium: rarely bred in captivity. Females rounder-bodied.