Beaufortia leveretti

Family: Balitoridae

Beaufortia leveretti — a Balitoridae from Red River basin, N Vietnam, peaceful grazer; squabbles are brief pushes. Reaches 9–13.2 cm; loosely social; crowding causes endless pushing. 18–24 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 18–24 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 9–13.2 cm
Minimum tank: 209 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful grazer; squabbles are brief pushes
Origin: Red River basin, N Vietnam

Species overview

Beaufortia leveretti is a Balitoridae from Red River basin, N Vietnam. In the wild it prefers fast-flowing mountain streams, clinging to rocks; in the aquarium it stays peaceful grazer. Plan on 9–13.2 cm of adult fish at 18–24 °C. Related profiles: Beaufortia kweichowensis, Beaufortia liui, Beaufortia pingi.

Native biotope

Habitat: Fast-flowing mountain streams, clinging to rocks
Flow: Very strong, highly oxygenated current
Dissolved O₂: Requires very high dissolved oxygen

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate: Bare rock and coarse gravel
Hardscape: Large smooth boulders
Plants: Minimal; algae-covered stones instead

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling: Loosely social; crowding causes endless pushing
Diet: Algae and biofilm specialist; supplement with wafers
Recommended tankmates: Hillstream loaches of similar size — Graze side by side on open stone
Avoid keeping with: Warm-water community fish — Need different temperatures

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Difficult to distinguish
Breeding method: Breeding rarely reported in aquaria; presumed egg-scatterer

Frequently asked questions

Is Beaufortia leveretti easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful grazer; squabbles are brief pushes; loosely social; crowding causes endless pushing.

What temperature and water chemistry does Beaufortia leveretti need?

Set the heater to 18–24 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Beaufortia leveretti get, and what tank size?

Expect 9–13.2 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 209 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Beaufortia leveretti eat?

Algae and biofilm specialist; supplement with wafers. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Beaufortia leveretti live with other fish?

Peaceful grazer; squabbles are brief pushes; loosely social; crowding causes endless pushing. Good company: Hillstream loaches of similar size — Graze side by side on open stone. Keep away from Warm-water community fish — Need different temperatures.

Where does Beaufortia leveretti come from?

Its home waters are Red River basin, N Vietnam — fast-flowing mountain streams, clinging to rocks, with very strong, highly oxygenated current.

How does Beaufortia leveretti breed?

In the aquarium: breeding rarely reported in aquaria; presumed egg-scatterer. Difficult to distinguish.