Family: Balitoridae
A peaceful hillstream algivore from China's Guizhou rapids; the Butterfly Loach clings to rock in fast, cool, highly oxygenated water — moderate care.
Beaufortia kweichowensis of the family Balitoridae is an aquarium-kept Balitoridae. Peaceful and algivore; quality prepared foods with variety, it grows to 5.6–8 cm and prefers 18–26 °C water. Other Beaufortia species in our database include Beaufortia leveretti, Beaufortia liui, Beaufortia pingi.
Almost always oxygen or heat. Check temperature first — above 25 °C these fish suffocate even in oxygen-rich water. Increase aeration and flow immediately.
It will not thrive long-term. Warm water above 24–25 °C shortens its life dramatically. Keep it with cool-water, high-flow species instead.
No — despite the trade name 'butterfly pleco' it is a cypriniform loach from China, unrelated to South American plecos. Its care is entirely different: cool, fast, oxygen-rich water.
It grazes surfaces including glass, but it is a supplement to tank maintenance, not a replacement. Supplemental feeding is usually necessary.
You can, but a small group grazes more naturally and shows social behavior; ensure enough stone surface and food for each individual.