Yunnanilus brevis

Family: Nemacheilidae

Yunnanilus brevis — a Nemacheilidae from China. Reaches 4.9–7.2 cm; keep at 22–24 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–24 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
4.9–7.2 cm
Minimum tank
62 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful, active bottom-dweller
Origin
China

Species overview

Yunnanilus brevis, a member of the family Nemacheilidae, comes from China, where it inhabits hill-streams and riffles over pebbles. Peaceful, active bottom-dweller and omnivore; sinking granules and frozen foods, it grows to 4.9–7.2 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 22–24 °C range. Other Yunnanilus species in our database include Yunnanilus pleurotaenia, Yunnanilus nigromaculatus, Yunnanilus pulcherrimus.

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 Yunnanilus brevis easy to keep?

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

What temperature and water chemistry does Yunnanilus brevis need?

Set the heater to 22–24 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Yunnanilus brevis get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 4.9–7.2 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 62 litres.

What does Yunnanilus brevis eat?

Omnivore; sinking granules and frozen foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Yunnanilus brevis 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 Yunnanilus brevis come from?

Comes from China: hill-streams and riffles over pebbles. Expect strong, well-oxygenated current and requires well-oxygenated water.

How does Yunnanilus brevis breed?

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