Yunnanilus pleurotaenia

Family: Nemacheilidae

Yunnanilus pleurotaenia — a Nemacheilidae from China, mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time. Reaches 9.8–14.4 cm; gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended. 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
9.8–14.4 cm
Minimum tank
249 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time
Origin
China

Species overview

A Nemacheilidae species native to China: Yunnanilus pleurotaenia lives bottom-dwelling over pebbles. Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time. Adults reach 9.8–14.4 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Yunnanilus species we profile, alongside Yunnanilus nigromaculatus, Yunnanilus pulcherrimus, Yunnanilus bajiangensis.

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 bottom fish; 5 or more recommended
Diet
Unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim
Recommended tankmates
  • Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict
Avoid keeping with
  • Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females rounder-bodied
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer; no parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Yunnanilus pleurotaenia easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Yunnanilus pleurotaenia need?

Hold 18–26 °C and keep it stable — 18–26 °C typical for the family. Cooler, stable range preferred.

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

Adults reach 9.8–14.4 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 249 litres.

What does Yunnanilus pleurotaenia eat?

Unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Yunnanilus pleurotaenia live with other fish?

Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time. Recommended tankmates: Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict. Avoid Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters.

Where does Yunnanilus pleurotaenia come from?

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

How does Yunnanilus pleurotaenia breed?

Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Females rounder-bodied.