Edit Formosania lacustris

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Name

Scientific name

Formosania lacustris

Described by

Authority Steindachner, Year 1908, Bracketed

Family

Gastromyzontidae

Common names

Tasseled-mouth Loach

Photograph credits

All 11 credited

Summary

The tasseled-mouth loach, Formosania lacustris, is a gastromyzontid from Taiwan and some coastal drainages of Fujian Province, mainland Chi…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

120mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement High: fast-flowing river or riffle

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 20–24°C, pH 6–7.5

Hardness

1–12dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Community-safe

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

China, Taiwan

Writing

Etymology

Formosania:

Distribution

Described from Lake Candidius, Nantou County, Taiwan and has since been recorded from various parts of the island including the counties of Taipei, Ilan, Yilan…

Habitat

An obligate dweller of swiftly-flowing streams and headwaters containing clear, oxygen-saturated water, it particularly inhabits riffles and runs and according…

Aquarium size

Minimum base dimensions of 120 ∗ 30 cm or equivalent are recommended.

Maintenance

Most importantly the water must be clean and well-oxygenated so we suggest the use of an over-sized filter as a minimum requirement. Turnover should ideally be…

Water conditions

Temperature: Can tolerate higher temperatures provided its oxygen requirements are maintained but for general aquarium care a value of 20 – 24 °C is recommende…

Diet

Little is known of this species' natural diet although presumably it feeds on crustaceans, insect larvae and other invertebrates since it shows a preference fo…

Behaviour and compatibility

Largely peaceful although its environmental requirements limit the choice of suitable tankmates somewhat, so research your choices before purchase in order to …

Sexual dimorphism

Sexually mature females should be larger and fuller-bodied than males, and when spawning males develop tubercules on the head.

Reproduction

Presumably a seasonal spawner in nature but nothing has been recorded in aquaria as far as we know.

Notes

This species is a relatively recent introduction to the aquarium hobby and only traded sporadically. The genus name was previously Crossostoma but this has bee…

This species is a relatively recent introduction to the aquarium hobby and only traded sporadically.

The genus name was previously Crossostoma but this has been shown to be pre-occupied by a genus of gastropod so in 2006 was changed to Formosania. Members are most closely-related to the similar-looking Vanmanenia species, and within the genus F. lacustris to F. fascicauda and F. stigmata, respectively.

Like all balitorids Formosania spp. possess specialised morphology adapted to life in fast-flowing water; the paired fins are orientated horizontally, head and body flattened.

These features form a powerful sucking cup which allows the fish to cling tightly to solid surfaces. The ability to swim in open water is greatly reduced and they instead 'crawl' their way over and under rocks.

The family Gastromyzontidae is currently considered valid as per Kottelat (2012).

It contains a number of genera which had formerly been included in several families and subfamilies, most recently Balitoridae, of which the most well-known in the aquarium hobby include Beaufortia, Formosania, Gastromyzon, Pseudogastromyzon, Hypergastromyzon, Liniparhomaloptera, Sewellia, and Vanmanenia.

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My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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Year

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References

7 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References