Family: Cobitidae
A semi-aggressive carnivore cobitidae that patrols the bottom of Yangtze and Pearl river set-ups — moderate care.
Leptobotia pellegrini, a member of the family Cobitidae, comes from Yangtze & Pearl basins, China, where it inhabits clear streams, rivers and still waters. Semi-aggressive and carnivore; quality prepared foods with variety; regular frozen or live foods, it grows to 15.4–22 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 18–26 °C range. Other Leptobotia species in our database include Leptobotia elongata, Leptobotia flavolineata, Leptobotia guilinensis.
Difficulty: moderate. Semi-aggressive. Keep 3+; larger groups settle better.
Hold 18–26 °C and keep it stable — community-standard range; verify locally. Standard heater to hold the mid-range steadily.
Adults reach 15.4–22 cm; it is bottom; rests and forages low; keep 3+. Plan for at least 220 litres.
Carnivore; quality prepared foods with variety; regular frozen or live foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Semi-aggressive; keep 3+; larger groups settle better. Good company: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Small fish and shrimp — Live-prey size.
Comes from Yangtze & Pearl basins, China: clear streams, rivers and still waters. Expect strong current with heavy aeration and demands high dissolved oxygen.
It can jump when startled — keep the tank tightly covered, especially at night and during maintenance.
Spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.