Yunnanilus pleurotaenia — a Nemacheilidae from 中国, 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
中国
Species overview
From the waters of 中国 comes Yunnanilus pleurotaenia, a member of the family Nemacheilidae. A sand-sifting bottom resident most active after the lights fade. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 9.8–14.4 cm. Gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended. Choose sand over gravel, feed after dusk, and keep ammonia at zero — loaches punish neglect visibly. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Best suited to a keeper who can match its natural water.
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