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I have gotten my paws on a few Pterocryptis sp. from Arunachal Pradesh, north eastern India. While I went expecting to pick up 3-4 specimens, I am now the proud owner of 11 ultra 'greyish brown' Pterocryptis.

Their future aquaria- a hill stream tank, has a bunch of Hypselobarbus jerdoni, Tor, Systomus banksi, Mystus dibrugarensis etc. I suppose these fish will not be at risk immediately? There are a few Botia striata as well that I guess will become prey. Are my assumptions right? @Silurus, what do you think?

If the Botia are large enough, they are unlikely to be eaten. In my experience, only small, slim-bodied fish (e.g. small Rasbora, Pethia) are likely to be eaten. Large, deep-bodied fish are safe, as are most medium- to large-sized fish with spines.

Thanks HH (@Silurus), the Botia have been ignored so far and I am hoping it stays that way. There seems to be no sparring as well, another good sign. The tank has become quite busy with all the scurrying around, though.

A couple of specimens have gone really dark while a majority are exhibiting a uniform light brown shade. I think this is due to the tank being bare bottom presently (to change in the near future) more than anything; I like to keep my tanks as dark as possible so light can be ruled out as a cause for this.




A blurry feeding video while in quarantine.

A long pending (and blurry) update. The tank has gone through a few changes and now has the Pterocryptis along with some Tor cf. mosal, Botia dario, Mystus dibrugarensis and a Systomus cf. banksi. There will be a couple of Mystus and a few small mahseers/Labeo or other silver cyprinid fish added at some point. I am really interested in Pethia but I doubt I'll add them after HH's warning above.

The Pterocryptis aren't shy at all, usually.They're all over the place throughout the day, probably due to the tank getting very little ambient light.

Tank Dimensions : 48*18*15
Filtration : Two top filters and one canister filter.
Feed : Blood worms, Tetra Bits, shrimp (both frozen and dried).

A few of the tankmates with more cyprinids to be added in the coming weeks.

A small video of the inhabitants with some new additions, Tor malabaricus, Osteochilus nashii, Cyprinion semiplotus and Botia rostrata.

Tor cf. mosal





Botia dario



Osteochilus nashii



Tor malabaricus (on top)





Botia rostrata







Got a couple of Mystus as well. This specimen is visible here and there while the larger (and very very interesting looking) specimen is seen only during feed time.





Pterocryptis cf. indicus

I like a little algae in the tank and let it grow until it becomes really distracting.

Ps : I am waging a war against glare & reflection and losing really badly.

Yeah glare is only doable here at night, then I can take decent pictures.
Nice tank, love the Botia striata