Pseudobagrus crassilabris

Family: Bagridae

Pseudobagrus crassilabris — a Bagridae from China, peaceful; most activity happens after dark. Reaches 24.4–35.8 cm; keep bottom stock light — they share one floor. 15–25 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
15–25 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
24.4–35.8 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful; most activity happens after dark
Origin
China

Species overview

From the waters of China comes Pseudobagrus crassilabris, a member of the family Bagridae. A whiskered bottom resident whose day begins when the lights go off. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 24.4–35.8 cm. Keep bottom stock light — they share one floor. Feed sinking foods after lights-out, keep the sand soft, and never let nitrate climb unnoticed. Maintain 15–25 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.

Native biotope

Habitat
Large rivers over sand and mud
Flow
Moderate current
Dissolved O₂
High oxygen appreciated

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand
Hardscape
Large caves and driftwood
Plants
Not essential

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Keep bottom stock light — they share one floor
Diet
Omnivorous scavenger — sinking pellets, frozen and vegetable foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Mid-water schooling fish — Use the space catfish ignore
Avoid keeping with
  • Fast surface feeders — Leave nothing for the bottom

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females plumper
Breeding method
Spawning rarely seen; presumed crevice egg-layer