Family: Cobitidae
A peaceful omnivore cobitidae from the Korean Peninsula — beginner-friendly.
Cobitis lutheri, a member of the family Cobitidae, comes from Korean Peninsula, where it inhabits clear streams, rivers and still waters. Peaceful and omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety, it grows to 8.4–12 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 18–26 °C range. Other Cobitis species in our database include Cobitis shikokuensis, Cobitis sinensis, Cobitis biwae.
Rated easy — peaceful.
Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
Expect 8.4–12 cm as an adult, living bottom; rests and forages low; keep 3+. A 120 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Yes, with care. Peaceful — pair it with Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs and skip Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.
Native to Korean Peninsula, where it lives in clear streams, rivers and still waters. Moderate flow; Average oxygen needs.
In the aquarium: egg-scatterer over fine plants; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.