刺臀华吸鳅

Overview

A hillstream loach from southern China's Xi drainage, Sinogastromyzon wui often appears incidentally in mixed shipments of similar fishes. It is peaceful and retiring, requiring clean, oxygen-rich water, mature grazing surfaces, and carefully chosen companions.

Distribution & habitat

Confirmed records are from the Xi watershed in Guangxi and Guangdong, including the Nan Pan system and the area of the Liu drainage. Upstream connections suggest a potentially wider range, but that has not been established for the species.

It favors riffles and rapids, with many observations from water about 20–60 cm deep over pebbles and varied rocks, without much aquatic vegetation. Sunlight and clear, highly oxygenated water encourage biofilm. Heavy rainfall can temporarily increase turbidity, depth, and current.

Aquarium setup

Provide a footprint of at least approximately 75 × 30 cm. Recreate a flowing riffle with sand, gravel, or both beneath smooth rocks and boulders. Roots and branches can add structure, while robust attached plants may be grown on the decorations.

Strong filtration, ample circulation, and high oxygen are essential; add pumps or aeration where necessary. Maintain clean, stable water without organic waste buildup, and avoid immature aquaria. A secure lid prevents glass-climbing escapes. Long-term temperatures around 20–24 °C are suitable, with oxygen maintained during brief warmer periods.

Diet & feeding

Members of Sinogastromyzon graze biofilm containing small crustaceans, insect larvae, and other invertebrates, also taking some algae. Sinking preparations may be accepted, but daily live or frozen Daphnia, Artemia, bloodworms, and similar foods remain important. Retain stones with established attached growth.

If the main aquarium lacks enough growth, cultivate algae-covered stones under strong light elsewhere and rotate them in. Severely emaciated fish need continuously accessible food and reduced competition, and recovery can be difficult.

Behaviour & compatibility

Avoid much larger, aggressive, territorial, or strongly competitive fishes. Suitable candidates include small open-water species, stream gobies, and some rheophilic catfishes with matching temperature and current requirements. Other loaches require individual assessment.

Maintain a loose group of at least four. Some individuals defend feeding spots more strongly than others, but injuries are uncommon. A relationship with sex has not been established. Group housing may also reduce prolonged hiding.

Sexual dimorphism

From above or below, males appear slimmer, with a sharper angle where the pectoral fin meets the head. Females have a fuller outline and a rounder junction.

Breeding

Aquarium breeding of this species has not been recorded. The relative Sinogastromyzon puliensis has documented seasonal reproduction with eggs that settle to the bottom, but those observations do not establish egg characteristics, timing, or migration in S. wui.

Notes

Identification uses regular dorsal blotches, scales on the upper paired fins and the body between the pectoral and pelvic regions, and the absence of a particular muscular band above the pelvic base. Mixed shipments and similar-looking relatives make a trade name insufficient.

In Sinogastromyzon, flattened body contours, expanded paired fins, and joined pelvic fins enable firm attachment. Crawling over and beneath stones is more effective than swimming freely in open water.