Vanmanenia striata

Family: Balitoridae

Vanmanenia striata — a Balitoridae freshwater fish. Reaches 7.9–11.7 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
7.9–11.7 cm
Minimum tank
164 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful; territorial over a favourite perch

Species overview

A Balitoridae species: Vanmanenia striata lives bottom-dwelling over fast-flowing mountain streams, clinging to rocks. Peaceful; territorial over a favourite perch. Adults reach 7.9–11.7 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
Keep in a small group with enough perches
Diet
Herbivorous grazer; algae and spirina 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
Difficult to distinguish
Breeding method
Not bred in home aquaria

Frequently asked questions

Is Vanmanenia striata easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful; territorial over a favourite perch; keep in a small group with enough perches.

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

Expect 7.9–11.7 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 164 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Vanmanenia striata eat?

Herbivorous grazer; algae and spirina foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Vanmanenia striata live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Peaceful; territorial over a favourite perch — pair it with Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs and skip Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Vanmanenia striata come from?

It lives in fast-flowing mountain streams, clinging to rocks. Very strong, highly oxygenated current; Requires very high dissolved oxygen.

How does Vanmanenia striata breed?

In the aquarium: not bred in home aquaria. Difficult to distinguish.