Yunnanilus niger

Family: Nemacheilidae

Yunnanilus niger — a Nemacheilidae from China. Reaches 4.7–6.9 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
4.7–6.9 cm
Minimum tank
57 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful, active bottom-dweller
Origin
China

Species overview

Yunnanilus niger is a Nemacheilidae from China. In the wild it prefers hill-streams and riffles over pebbles; in the aquarium it stays peaceful, active bottom-dweller. Plan on 4.7–6.9 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. Related profiles: 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 niger easy to keep?

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

What temperature and water chemistry does Yunnanilus niger need?

Aim for 18–26 °C. Cooler, stable range preferred; 18–26 °C typical for the genus.

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

Full size is 4.7–6.9 cm. Minimum tank: 57 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Yunnanilus niger eat?

Omnivore; sinking granules and frozen foods. It forages naturally over smooth pebbles and coarse sand, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Yunnanilus niger live with other fish?

Peaceful, active bottom-dweller; gregarious; keep in groups. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Yunnanilus niger come from?

Its home waters are China — hill-streams and riffles over pebbles, with strong, well-oxygenated current.

How does Yunnanilus niger breed?

Rarely bred in captivity. Females rounder-bodied.