Yunnanilus nigromaculatus

Family: Nemacheilidae

Yunnanilus nigromaculatus — a Nemacheilidae from China. Reaches 5.8–8.5 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
5.8–8.5 cm
Minimum tank
87 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful, active bottom-dweller
Origin
China

Species overview

Yunnanilus nigromaculatus 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 5.8–8.5 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. Related profiles: Yunnanilus pleurotaenia, 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 nigromaculatus easy to keep?

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

What temperature and water chemistry does Yunnanilus nigromaculatus 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 Yunnanilus nigromaculatus get, and what tank size?

Full size is 5.8–8.5 cm. Minimum tank: 87 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Yunnanilus nigromaculatus eat?

Omnivore; sinking granules and frozen foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Yunnanilus nigromaculatus 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 nigromaculatus come from?

Native to China, where it lives in hill-streams and riffles over pebbles. Strong, well-oxygenated current; Requires well-oxygenated water.

How does Yunnanilus nigromaculatus breed?

Rarely bred in captivity. Females rounder-bodied.