Armoured Stickleback

Indostomus paradoxus

Armoured Stickleback is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 5.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a school of at least 5Beginner – Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm)
Aquarium size: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 15.7" (≥ 40 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–81°F (22–27°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH: 2–12 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 5

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 15.7" (≥ 40 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–27 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Armoured Stickleback is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Offer tiny live foods regularly; frozen and dried foods are not normally accepted. Avoid strong current.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 15.7" (≥ 40 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 5.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Myanmar.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Barred Pencilfish Nannostomus espei Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Adonis Tetra Lepidarchus adonis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Annie’s Goby Stiphodon annieae Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 64–75°F (18–24°C) Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Bintan Licorice Gourami Parosphromenus bintan Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 1" (≤ 2.6 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Armoured Stickleback get?

Armoured Stickleback reaches ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm).

What aquarium size does Armoured Stickleback need?

Use an aquarium of at least 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 15.7" (≥ 40 cm) minimum length.

Is Armoured Stickleback peaceful?

Yes. Armoured Stickleback is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Armoured Stickleback?

Keep it between 22 to 27 °C.

Should Armoured Stickleback be kept alone or in a group?

Armoured Stickleback: Keep in a school of at least 5.