Family: Cobitidae
Leptobotia rubrilabris — a Cobitidae from Yangtze basin, China, peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Reaches 15.8–23.1 cm; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. 22–28 °C.
Leptobotia rubrilabris, a member of the family Cobitidae, comes from Yangtze basin, China, where it inhabits sandy stretches of slow rivers. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand and omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods, it grows to 15.8–23.1 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 22–28 °C range. Other Leptobotia species in our database include Leptobotia elongata, Leptobotia pellegrini, Leptobotia flavolineata.
A moderate-level species: peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Set the heater to 22–28 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
Full size is 15.8–23.1 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.
Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Recommended tankmates: Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict. Avoid Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters.
Its home waters are Yangtze basin, China — sandy stretches of slow rivers, with gentle current.
In the aquarium: spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned. Females noticeably plumper when mature.