Vietnam Golden Line Minnow

Vietnam Golden Line Minnow (Araiocypris batodes) is a genuinely extraordinary nano fish — the sole species of its entire genus, endemic to northern Vietnam, and unlike anything else in the hobby. The pale yellow to cream body carries a warm brown to reddish-brown midlateral stripe, vivid yellow-orange fins, and under the right lighting, a stunning blue iridescence across the scales. Males develop small conical tubercles on the lower jaw — the source of the species name batodes, from the Greek for 'thorny.' This is a collector's fish with genuine scientific interest.

Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets crushed or soaked and Sera Vipan Baby make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen Daphnia. Feed small amounts — this is a tiny fish. Multiple small daily feedings suit it better than one large feeding.

Araiocypris batodes was formally described in 2008 by ichthyologists Conway and Kottelat from Quang Ninh Province in northern Vietnam — placing it in an entirely new monotypic genus. The species inhabits clear, cool, fast-moving hill streams in the karst limestone landscapes of northern Vietnam. Aquarium data on this species is still limited — it is a relatively recent addition to the trade and its full care requirements are still being documented by the hobby.

Keep in groups of at least six. A shoaling species that displays more natural behavior and more vivid coloration in numbers. Compatible with other small, peaceful species with similar cool, clean water requirements. Fine substrate, gentle to moderate flow, and clean, well-oxygenated water are important.

The Vietnam Golden Line Minnow is one of those genuinely rare finds — a fish from its own unique genus, endemic to a single region of Vietnam, with aquarium care that is still being established by dedicated hobbyists. For collectors who appreciate both visual beauty and scientific interest, it is an exceptional fish.

Care & Ideal Parameters