Edit Sinogastromyzon tonkinensis

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Name

Scientific name

Sinogastromyzon tonkinensis

Described by

Authority Pellegrin & Chevey, Year 1935

Family

Balitoridae

Common names

Not recorded

Photograph credits

All 3 credited

Summary

Sinogastromyzon tonkinensis is a hillstream loach that appears endemic to the lower Red River drainage in southern China and northern Vietn…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

65mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 75 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement Very high: hillstream or torrent

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 15–22°C, pH 7–9

Hardness

2–12dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Not for a community

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

China, Vietnam, Lixianjiang, Red

Writing

Etymology

Sinogastromyzon: from the Latin sina, meaning 'from China' (used as a prefix in this case), Greek gaster, meaning stomach, and Greek myzo, meaning 'to suckle'.…

Distribution

Type locality is 'Lai Chau, Tonkin, northern Vietnam', in the lower Red River system, and this species appears endemic to that drainage in Yunnan province, sou…

Habitat

An obligate dweller of swiftly-flowing streams and headwaters containing clear, oxygen-saturated water. It often inhabits riffles and runs and is likely to dis…

Aquarium size

Minimum base dimensions of 75 ∗ 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: For general care 15 – 22 °C is recommended but it can withstand temporarily warmer conditions provided dissolved oxygen levels are maintained. pH:…

Diet

Sinogastromyzon spp. are specialised micropredators and biofilm grazers feeding on small crustaceans, insect larvae and other invertebrates with some algae tak…

Behaviour and compatibility

Very peaceful although its environmental requirements limit the selection of suitable tankmates somewhat, plus it should not be housed with any much larger, mo…

Very peaceful although its environmental requirements limit the selection of suitable tankmates somewhat, plus it should not be housed with any much larger, more aggressive, territorial or otherwise competitive fishes.

Potential options include small, pelagic cyprinids such as Tanichthys, Danio, and Rasbora, stream-dwelling gobies from the genera Rhinogobius, Sicyopterus, and Stiphodon, plus rheophilic catfishes like Glyptothorax, Akysis and Hara spp.

Some loaches from the families Nemacheilidae, Balitoridae and Gastromyzontidae are also suitable but others are not so be sure to research your choices thoroughly before purchase.

Regarding conspecifics it's best described as loosely gregarious so buy a group of 4 or more if you want to see its most interesting behaviour.

It's territorial to an extent with some individuals appearing more protective of their space than others (often a prime feeding spot). This may be related to gender since males in some related species are known to be more aggressive than females.

At any rate physical damage is rare and such battles are very entertaining to watch. Sinogastromyzon spp. tend to be quite reclusive compared to most other balitorids and maintaining them in numbers may also help offset this to a certain extent.

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Where does this come from?

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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DOI

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Title

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Authors

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Year

Journal or publisher

Pages

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Anything worth adding

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Sexual dimorphism

Males have a relatively slimmer body shape, and the angle at which the pectoral-fin meets the head is comparatively sharp, whereas the opposite is true in fema…

Reproduction

Unrecorded.

Notes

This species is poorly-known in the aquarium hobby but does appear to have been exported on a handful of occasions. We've been unable to obtain a full diagnosi…

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