Leptobotia flavolineata

Family: Cobitidae

Leptobotia flavolineata — a Cobitidae from Yangtze basin, China, peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal. Reaches 16.5–24.2 cm; sociable; keep 4–6 so night-time activity stays confident. 22–28 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–28 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
16.5–24.2 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal
Origin
Yangtze basin, China

Species overview

A Cobitidae species native to Yangtze basin, China: Leptobotia flavolineata lives bottom-dwelling over sandy stretches of slow rivers. Peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal. Adults reach 16.5–24.2 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Leptobotia species we profile, alongside Leptobotia elongata, Leptobotia pellegrini, Leptobotia guilinensis.

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
Sociable; keep 4–6 so night-time activity stays confident
Diet
Omnivore that appreciates live or frozen treats
Recommended tankmates
  • Small calm cyprinids — Occupy a different water layer
Avoid keeping with
  • Large predators — Loaches are on the menu

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females noticeably plumper when mature
Breeding method
Scatters eggs among fine plants; no aftercare

Frequently asked questions

Is Leptobotia flavolineata easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal; sociable; keep 4–6 so night-time activity stays confident.

What temperature and water chemistry does Leptobotia flavolineata need?

Aim for 22–28 °C. Room temperature stable range; 22.0–28.0 °C typical for the genus.

How big does Leptobotia flavolineata get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 16.5–24.2 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 500 litres.

What does Leptobotia flavolineata eat?

Omnivore that appreciates live or frozen treats. It forages naturally over fine sand for burrowing, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Leptobotia flavolineata live with other fish?

Peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal. Recommended tankmates: Small calm cyprinids — Occupy a different water layer. Avoid Large predators — Loaches are on the menu.

Where does Leptobotia flavolineata come from?

Its home waters are Yangtze basin, China — sandy stretches of slow rivers, with gentle current.

How does Leptobotia flavolineata breed?

In the aquarium: scatters eggs among fine plants; no aftercare. Females noticeably plumper when mature.