Chinese pseudogastromizon

Pseudogastromyzon cheni or Chinese Pseudogastromyzon cheni, scientific name Pseudogastromyzon cheni, belongs to the family Gastromyzontidae (Gastromizons). In the wild, the fish is found in the river systems of most of the mountainous regions of China.

This species is often referred to as an aquarium fish for aquariums imitating mountain rivers, but another related species, Pseudogastromyzon myersi, is most often supplied instead.

Description

Adults reach a length of 5–6 cm. The fish has a flattened body and large fins. However, the fins are not designed for swimming, but to increase the area of ​​​​the body so that the fish can more effectively resist strong water flows, snuggling tightly against stones and boulders.

Depending on the geographical form, the color and pattern of the body are varied. Most often there are samples with brown color and yellow streaks of irregular shape. A characteristic feature is the presence of a red border on the dorsal fin.

Henie’s pseudogastromison and Myers’ pseudogastromison are practically indistinguishable, which is the reason for the confusion in the names.

Experts distinguish these species from each other solely by measuring certain morphological features. The first measurement is the distance between the beginning of the pectoral fin and the beginning of the pelvic fin (points B and C). A second measurement must be taken to determine the distance between the origin of the pelvic fin and the anus (points B and A). If both measurements are equal, then we have P. myersi. If distance 1 is greater than distance 2, then the fish in question is P. Cheni.

It is worth noting that for an ordinary aquarist, such differences do not matter much. Regardless of which of the two fish is purchased for the aquarium, they require identical conditions.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 100 liters.
• Temperature – 19-24°C
• Value pH — 7.0–8.0
• Water hardness – medium or high
• Substrate type – small pebbles, stones
• Lighting – bright
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – moderate or strong
• The size of the fish is 5–6 cm.
• Nutrition – plant-based sinking feed
• Temperament – conditionally peaceful
• Content in a group

Behavior and Compatibility

Relatively peaceful species, although in the limited space of the aquarium, aggression between relatives for areas at the bottom of the tank is possible. In cramped conditions, competition will also be observed between related species.

Despite the competition for the best area of ​​the aquarium, the fish prefer to be in a group of relatives.

Compatible with other non-aggressive species capable of living in similar turbulent conditions and relatively cool water.

Keeping in an aquarium

The optimal size of the aquarium for a group of 6-8 fish starts from 100 liters. Bottom area matters more than tank depth. In the design I use rocky soil, large boulders, natural driftwood. Plants are not required, but if desired, some types of aquatic ferns and mosses can be placed, which for the most part successfully adapt to growth in moderate current conditions.

For long-term keeping, it is important to provide clean, oxygen-rich water, as well as moderate to strong currents. A productive filtration system can cope with these tasks.

The Chinese pseudogastromizon prefers relatively cool water with a temperature of 20–23°C. For this reason, there is no need for a heater.

Food

In nature, the fish feeds on algae deposits on stones and microorganisms living in them. In the home aquarium, it is recommended to serve sinking food based on plant components, as well as foods rich in protein, such as fresh or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp.

Source: FishBase