King’s Bullhead (Liobagrus kingi)

Family: Amblycipitidae

King’s Bullhead — a Amblycipitidae freshwater fish. Reaches 7.1–10.5 cm; keep at 20–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
20–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
7.1–10.5 cm
Minimum tank
132 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful community fish

Species overview

Liobagrus kingi of the family Amblycipitidae is an aquarium-kept Amblycipitidae. Peaceful community fish and omnivore; quality prepared foods, it grows to 7.1–10.5 cm and prefers 20–26 °C water. Other Liobagrus species in our database include Liobagrus anguillicauda, Liobagrus marginatus, Liobagrus mediadiposalis.

Native biotope

Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Small groups recommended
Diet
Omnivore; quality prepared 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
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Not documented in home aquaria

Frequently asked questions

Is King’s Bullhead easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful community fish; small groups recommended.

What temperature and water chemistry does King’s Bullhead need?

Aim for 20–26 °C. Stable temperature matching the species origin; 20–26 °C typical for the genus.

How big does King’s Bullhead get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 7.1–10.5 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 132 litres.

What does King’s Bullhead eat?

Omnivore; quality prepared foods. It forages naturally over fine sand and gravel, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can King’s Bullhead live with other fish?

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

Where does King’s Bullhead come from?

Its habitat is warm freshwater streams and lakes — still to gentle current, moderate oxygen levels.

Does King’s Bullhead jump?

Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.

How does King’s Bullhead breed?

In the aquarium: not documented in home aquaria. Subtle external differences.