Vanmanenia serrilineata

Family: Balitoridae

Vanmanenia serrilineata — 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

A Balitoridae species native to southern Chinese mountain streams: Vanmanenia serrilineata lives bottom-dwelling on rock surfaces over fast-flowing mountain streams, clinging to rocks. Calm but assertive around its chosen perch. Adults reach 7.4–10.8 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Vanmanenia species we profile, alongside Vanmanenia pingchowensis, Vanmanenia stenosoma, Vanmanenia gymnetrus.

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
  • Other cool-water stream fish — Share the need for oxygen and flow
Avoid keeping with
  • Large aggressive cichlids — Disrupt the calm grazing regime

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Difficult to distinguish
Breeding method
Spawning unknown in home aquaria

Frequently asked questions

Is Vanmanenia serrilineata easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Calm but assertive around its chosen perch. Singly or in a loose group on open rockwork.

What temperature and water chemistry does Vanmanenia serrilineata 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 Vanmanenia serrilineata get, and what tank size?

Expect 7.4–10.8 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling on rock surfaces. A 140 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Vanmanenia serrilineata eat?

Grazes rock surfaces; feed spirulina-rich foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Vanmanenia serrilineata live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Calm but assertive around its chosen perch — pair it with Other cool-water stream fish — Share the need for oxygen and flow and skip Large aggressive cichlids — Disrupt the calm grazing regime.

Where does Vanmanenia serrilineata come from?

Its home waters are southern Chinese mountain streams — fast-flowing mountain streams, clinging to rocks, with very strong, highly oxygenated current.

How does Vanmanenia serrilineata breed?

In the aquarium: spawning unknown in home aquaria. Difficult to distinguish.