Nemacheilidae species Triplophysa scleroptera comes from Tibetan Plateau waters. A sand-sifting bottom resident most active after the lights fade. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 9.8–14.4 cm. Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. 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. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.