Family: Balitoridae
A peaceful algivore balitoridae from the Yangtze, Pearl and Min rivers of China — moderate care.
A Balitoridae species native to Yangtze & Pearl basins, China: Vanmanenia stenosoma lives bottom; rests and forages low over clear streams, rivers and still waters. Peaceful. Adults reach 6–8.6 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Vanmanenia species we profile, alongside Vanmanenia pingchowensis, Vanmanenia gymnetrus, Vanmanenia intermedia.
A moderate-level species: peaceful; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Hold 18–26 °C and keep it stable — community-standard range; verify locally. Standard heater to hold the mid-range steadily.
Adults reach 6–8.6 cm; it is bottom; rests and forages low. Plan for at least 86 litres.
Algivore; quality prepared foods with variety. It forages naturally over smooth gravel and sand with open floor space, so let some food reach the bottom.
Peaceful. Recommended tankmates: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.
Comes from Yangtze & Pearl basins, China: clear streams, rivers and still waters. Expect strong current with heavy aeration and demands high dissolved oxygen.
Spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.