Leptobotia tientainensis

Family: Cobitidae

Leptobotia tientainensis — a Cobitidae freshwater fish. Reaches 9.8–14.3 cm; keep at 22–28 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–28 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
9.8–14.3 cm
Minimum tank
245 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful bottom-dweller

Species overview

Leptobotia tientainensis is a Cobitidae. In the aquarium it stays peaceful bottom-dweller. Plan on 9.8–14.3 cm of adult fish at 22–28 °C. Related profiles: 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
Loosely social; keep in small groups
Diet
Omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females noticeably plumper when mature
Breeding method
Rare in home aquaria

Frequently asked questions

Is Leptobotia tientainensis easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful bottom-dweller; loosely social; keep in small groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does Leptobotia tientainensis need?

Aim for 22–28 °C. Room temperature stable range; 22.0–28.0 °C typical for the genus.

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

Adults reach 9.8–14.3 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 245 litres.

What does Leptobotia tientainensis eat?

Omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Leptobotia tientainensis live with other fish?

Peaceful bottom-dweller. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Leptobotia tientainensis come from?

Its habitat is sandy stretches of slow rivers — gentle current, tolerates moderate oxygen levels.

How does Leptobotia tientainensis breed?

Rare in home aquaria. Females noticeably plumper when mature.