Leptobotia guilinensis

Family: Cobitidae

Leptobotia guilinensis — a Cobitidae from Yangtze basin, China, mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time. Reaches 16.5–24.2 cm; gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended. 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
Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time
Origin
Yangtze basin, China

Species overview

A Cobitidae species native to Yangtze basin, China: Leptobotia guilinensis lives bottom-dwelling over sandy stretches of slow rivers. Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time. Adults reach 16.5–24.2 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Leptobotia species we profile, alongside Leptobotia elongata, Leptobotia pellegrini, Leptobotia flavolineata.

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
Gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended
Diet
Unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim
Recommended tankmates
  • Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict
Avoid keeping with
  • Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females noticeably plumper when mature
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer; no parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Leptobotia guilinensis easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time; gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended.

What temperature and water chemistry does Leptobotia guilinensis need?

Set the heater to 22–28 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

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

Full size is 16.5–24.2 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Leptobotia guilinensis eat?

Unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Leptobotia guilinensis live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time — pair it with Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict and skip Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters.

Where does Leptobotia guilinensis come from?

Comes from Yangtze basin, China: sandy stretches of slow rivers. Expect gentle current and tolerates moderate oxygen levels.

How does Leptobotia guilinensis breed?

Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Females noticeably plumper when mature.