Liobagrus styani — a Amblycipitidae from China, calm and unobtrusive by day, busy by night. Reaches 7.9–11.7 cm; pairs for the small species; solitaries for the big. 20–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
20–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
7.9–11.7 cm
Minimum tank
164 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Calm and unobtrusive by day, busy by night
Origin
China
Species overview
From the waters of China comes Liobagrus styani, a member of the family Amblycipitidae. A whiskered bottom resident whose day begins when the lights go off. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 7.9–11.7 cm. Pairs for the small species; solitaries for the big. Feed sinking foods after lights-out, keep the sand soft, and never let nitrate climb unnoticed. Maintain 20–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A solid choice for a well-planned community tank.
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
Pairs for the small species; solitaries for the big
Diet
Eats anything that sinks; balance protein and greens
Recommended tankmates
Mid-water schooling fish — Use the space catfish ignore
Avoid keeping with
Fast surface feeders — Leave nothing for the bottom