The genus Yunnanilus comprises a comparably high number of species: 30 species are currently recognized as valid, but there are for sure much more species. Most known species have a very small distribution area. If you realize that only a very small part of the waters in the area of the genus have ever been subject of a scientific survey it becomes clear that many species still remain undiscovered.
In the hobby so far three species are known. Two of them are also known to science whereas the third represents an undescribed species. The latter is subject of this note: Yunnanilus sp. “Rosy”. This tiny species belongs to the smallest species of loach known so far. It hardly ever becomes longer than 3 cm. It shows a very unusual behaviour, compared with other loaches. It is not a bottom dweller at all, but prefers to swim in a school in open water. Only for taking food or for resting (preferably on a kind of lookout) it sinks to the ground.
Another very special feature of this genus of loach is worth mentioning: the members develope a strong sexual dichromatism. This means, males and females have a different coloration. In case of Yunnanilus sp. “Rosy” the male’s basic colour is ivory-whitish, and the female has a very pretty orange-rosy basic coloration.
This dwarf species is completely peaceful. It is collected in the very same area in Burma where the Galaxy rasbora (Celestichthys margaritatus) is collected. This means they sometimes like cooler temperatures (16-20°C in winter, 22-26°C in summer). In nature, the water is medium hard and neutral (pH 7.6). However, the fish proved to be undemanding in this respect in the aquarium.
For our customers: the species has code 478502 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale market.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
| Angaben zum Tier | |
|---|---|
| Herkunft | Burma |
| Verfügbare Größe in cm | 2-3 |
