Odontobutis platycephala — a Odontobutidae from Korean Peninsula, peaceful but territorial toward its own kind. Reaches 15.1–22.2 cm; a bonded pair claims one cave; keep others elsewhere. 18–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
15.1–22.2 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful but territorial toward its own kind
Origin
Korean Peninsula
Species overview
From the waters of Korean Peninsula comes Odontobutis platycephala, a member of the family Odontobutidae. A benthic percher that spends its days darting between rock, glass and cave — structure decides its temperament. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 15.1–22.2 cm. A bonded pair claims one cave; keep others elsewhere. Caves, stable pairs and clean sand keep this fish far calmer than open, bare tanks ever will. Maintain 18–26 °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
A bonded pair claims one cave; keep others elsewhere
Diet
Small carnivore — live, frozen and fine sinking foods
Recommended tankmates
Non-goby bottom fish — Ignore its territorial posturing
Avoid keeping with
Large aggressive fish — Shatter its sense of cover