Cobitis arenae

Family: Cobitidae

Cobitis arenae — a Cobitidae freshwater fish. Reaches 6–8.8 cm; keep at 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
6–8.8 cm
Minimum tank
93 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful bottom-dweller

Species overview

A Cobitidae species: Cobitis arenae lives bottom-dwelling over sandy stretches of slow rivers. Peaceful bottom-dweller. Adults reach 6–8.8 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Cobitis species we profile, alongside Cobitis lutheri, Cobitis shikokuensis, Cobitis sinensis.

Native biotope

Habitat
Sandy stretches of slow rivers
Flow
Gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Tolerates moderate oxygen levels

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand for burrowing
Hardscape
Smooth stones and driftwood caves
Plants
Low-light tolerant plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Loosely social; keep in small groups
Diet
Omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females noticeably plumper when mature
Breeding method
Rare in home aquaria

Frequently asked questions

Is Cobitis arenae easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful bottom-dweller. Loosely social; keep in small groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does Cobitis arenae need?

Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Cobitis arenae get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 6–8.8 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 93 litres.

What does Cobitis arenae eat?

Omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking foods. It forages naturally over fine sand for burrowing, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Cobitis arenae live with other fish?

Peaceful bottom-dweller; loosely social; keep in small groups. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Cobitis arenae come from?

Found in sandy stretches of slow rivers; expect gentle current and tolerates moderate oxygen levels.

How does Cobitis arenae breed?

Rare in home aquaria. Females noticeably plumper when mature.