Edit Sinogastromyzon tonkinensis
You can suggest changes to this profile. A moderator will review each change.
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
Social needs
A shoal or group
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…
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
References
7 on this profile