Leptobotia tchangi

Family: Cobitidae

Leptobotia tchangi — a Cobitidae from Yangtze basin, China, mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time. Reaches 8.4–12.3 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
8.4–12.3 cm
Minimum tank
182 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time
Origin
Yangtze basin, China

Species overview

Leptobotia tchangi, a member of the family Cobitidae, comes from Yangtze basin, China, where it inhabits sandy stretches of slow rivers. Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time and unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim, it grows to 8.4–12.3 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.

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 tchangi 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 tchangi 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 tchangi get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 8.4–12.3 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 182 litres.

What does Leptobotia tchangi eat?

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

Can Leptobotia tchangi live with other fish?

Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time; gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended. Good company: Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict. Keep away from Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters.

Where does Leptobotia tchangi come from?

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

How does Leptobotia tchangi breed?

In the aquarium: egg-scatterer; no parental care. Females noticeably plumper when mature.