Vanmanenia gymnetrus — a Balitoridae from southern Chinese mountain streams, calm but assertive around its chosen perch. Reaches 7.4–10.8 cm; singly or in a loose group on open rockwork. 18–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
7.4–10.8 cm
Minimum tank
140 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling on rock surfaces
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Calm but assertive around its chosen perch
Origin
southern Chinese mountain streams
Species overview
Vanmanenia gymnetrus is a Balitoridae from southern Chinese mountain streams. Its sucker belly is made for mountain rapids — still, warm water suffocates it faster than any disease. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 7.4–10.8 cm. Singly or in a loose group on open rockwork. Provide strong flow, cool temperatures and mature algae-covered rockwork; keep it below 26 °C. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
Native biotope
Habitat
Fast-flowing mountain streams, clinging to rocks
Flow
Very strong, highly oxygenated current
Dissolved O₂
Requires very high dissolved oxygen
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Bare rock and coarse gravel
Hardscape
Large smooth boulders
Plants
Minimal; algae-covered stones instead
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Singly or in a loose group on open rockwork
Diet
Grazes rock surfaces; feed spirulina-rich foods
Recommended tankmates
Hillstream loaches of similar size — Graze side by side on open stone
Avoid keeping with
Warm-water community fish — Need different temperatures