Aphyocypris lini – Garnet Minnow (~5 cm)

Description:
A petite and graceful East Asian minnow, sporting a yellowish-brown body with a bluish back and white underside. It has a vivid red-yellow stripe along its side, bordered above by a bluish-black band and below by an iridescent green line. A striking blue spot with a golden edge adorns the base of its tail fin. Typically reaches up to 5 cm in length.  

Tank Setup:

• Minimum tank volume: around 40–60 L (~10–15 gallons) for a small group.

• Substrate: fine gravel or sand.

• Decor: dense planting, driftwood, or rocks to offer cover and mimic shaded stream habitats.

• Flow: gentle to moderate, simulating clear riverine conditions.

• Lighting: soft, with shaded areas to reduce stress.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: ideally 18–22 °C (64–72 °F).  

• pH: around 7.5–8.0.

• Hardness: moderate, roughly 10–15 dGH. 

Diet:
Omnivorous—feasts on micro-pellets or flakes, plus live or frozen treats like daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms. Benefits from occasional plant-based foods for variety and health. 

Behavior & Tankmates:

• Peaceful and shoaling; best maintained in groups of 6 or more to display natural behavior and coloration. 

• Compatible with other small, non-aggressive species like danios or rasboras.

Breeding:
Egg scatterers that release eggs over fine-leaved plants or mops. No parental care—adults should be removed post-spawning to protect eggs. Fry hatch in 2–3 days and do best on infusoria or finely ground foods initially

Conservation & Origins:
Endemic to southern China, once found in Hong Kong but now extinct in the wild there. Current populations are maintained in captive breeding programs across Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia.