Leptobotia taeniops

Family: Cobitidae

Leptobotia taeniops — a Cobitidae from Yangtze basin, China, peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Reaches 17.1–25.1 cm; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. 22–28 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–28 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
17.1–25.1 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand
Origin
Yangtze basin, China

Species overview

A Cobitidae species native to Yangtze basin, China: Leptobotia taeniops lives bottom-dwelling over sandy stretches of slow rivers. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Adults reach 17.1–25.1 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
Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy
Diet
Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods
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
Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned

Frequently asked questions

Is Leptobotia taeniops easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy.

What temperature and water chemistry does Leptobotia taeniops need?

Hold 22–28 °C and keep it stable — 22.0–28.0 °C typical for the genus. Room temperature stable range.

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

Adults reach 17.1–25.1 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 500 litres.

What does Leptobotia taeniops eat?

Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods. It forages naturally over fine sand for burrowing, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Leptobotia taeniops live with other fish?

Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. Good company: Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict. Keep away from Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters.

Where does Leptobotia taeniops come from?

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

How does Leptobotia taeniops breed?

Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned. Females noticeably plumper when mature.