Garnet Minnow - Aphyocypris lini Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
The Garnet Minnow (Aphyocypris lini) is a small freshwater fish native to East Asia, found explicitly in rivers and streams in southern China and Taiwan. Belonging to the Cyprinidae family, this species thrives in fast-flowing, clear waters and is noted for its slender body adorned with distinctive longitudinal stripes. Typically reaching up to 5 cm, Aphyocypris lini is a peaceful species.
The Garnet Minnow is a peaceful and social species, making it an ideal tankmate for other small, non-aggressive fish such as danios, rasboras, and small tetras. It is a shoaling species and should be kept in groups of at least six to promote natural behaviour and reduce stress.
The ideal aquarium setup for Garnet Minnows includes a well-planted environment with clear, flowing water to mimic its natural riverine habitat. A sand or fine gravel substrate with plenty of concealment spots created by plants or rocks is recommended.
The Garnet Minnow features a yellowish-brown body with a bluish back and a white underside, divided by parallel stripes. The central stripe is reddish-yellow, with a bluish-black stripe above it and an iridescent green line below. A prominent blue spot edged with gold, is found at the base of the caudal fin, while the fins are white.
Availability
The Garnet Minnow isn't avilable any of our marketplace shops, want to be the first to offer it?.
Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism in Garnet Minnows is subtle. Males often display brighter colours and a slimmer body, while females tend to be slightly rounder, especially when carrying eggs.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Aphyocypris lini |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1939 |
| Other Names | Venus Minnow |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Aphyocypris |
| Origins | China Hong Kong |
| Approx Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 3 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 10 - 15 |
| ℉ | 64 - 72 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 18 - 22 |
Natural Habitat
The Garnet Minnow is an endemic species in southern China. It was first recorded in Fanling, New Territories, Hong Kong, in 1939 and later found in the Tai Mo Shan area in 1992. However, wild populations have yet to be recorded since then. This benthopelagic species inhabits ditches and rivers with clear, shallow waters, often where dense aquatic vegetation thrives.
The introduction of Mosquitofish and habitat obliteration caused the annihilation of this species from Hong Kong, and they are considered extinct in the wild. Although this species is currently believed to be no longer found in the wild, it has not been officially classified as extinct. The only known population of the Garnet Minnow currently exists in captive breeding facilities in Hong Kong, Macau, and several other Southeast Asian countries, where they are reproduced for export in the aquarium trade.
Breeding
Garnet Minnows are egg-scatterers, meaning the females release their eggs over aquatic plants or substrates, and the males fertilize them externally. They do not exhibit parental care, so it's essential to provide a well-planted aquarium with fine-leaved plants like java moss to give the eggs a chance to hide from adult fish, which may eat them.
Spawning is typically triggered by increased water temperature and quality, mimicking the conditions of their natural breeding season. For successful breeding, a separate breeding tank is often recommended to protect the eggs and fry. After spawning, the parents should be removed to prevent them from consuming the eggs. The fry will typically hatch within 24 to 48 hours and can be fed infusoria or other fine foods until they are large enough to consume baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.
Diet & Feeding
The feeding habits of Garnet Minnows are omnivorous, implying they consume both plant and animal matter. In the wild, they feed on a mix of small invertebrates, insects, larvae, and algae. In an aquarium setting, they thrive on a varied diet that includes high-quality pellet or flake foods, augmented with live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Plant-based foods like spirulina or blanched vegetables can also help provide balanced nutrition. Aphyocypris lini generally prefers small, frequent feedings that match its natural grazing behaviour.
Other Minnows
Published: 17 Oct 2024
Last Updated: 17 Oct 2024