Reddish Bullhead (Liobagrus reinii)

Family: Amblycipitidae

Reddish Bullhead — a Amblycipitidae from Japan, peaceful; most activity happens after dark. Reaches 7–10.2 cm; keep bottom stock light — they share one floor. 20–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
20–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
7–10.2 cm
Minimum tank
125 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful; most activity happens after dark
Origin
Japan

Species overview

Liobagrus reinii is a Amblycipitidae from Japan. Its barbels read the sand like fingers; coarse gravel slowly wears them down. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 7–10.2 cm. Keep bottom stock light — they share one floor. Provide soft substrate, hiding tubes, and food that reaches the bottom before tankmates finish it. Maintain 20–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.

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
Keep bottom stock light — they share one floor
Diet
Omnivorous scavenger — sinking pellets, frozen and vegetable foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Other similar-sized bottom fish — Share the floor peaceably
Avoid keeping with
  • Tiny fish that fit in its mouth — Vanish at night

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Spawning rarely seen; presumed crevice egg-layer