Odontobutis potamophila

Family: Odontobutidae

A peaceful carnivore odontobutidae from the middle and lower Yangtze in China — moderate care.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
10.6–15.2 cm
Minimum tank
152 L
Water layer
Bottom; rests and forages low
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Predatory — best kept singly or as a pair
Origin
Yangtze basin, China

Species overview

A Odontobutidae species native to Yangtze basin, China: Odontobutis potamophila lives bottom; rests and forages low over clear streams, rivers and still waters. Predatory — best kept singly or as a pair. Adults reach 10.6–15.2 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Odontobutis species we profile, alongside Odontobutis sinensis, Odontobutis obscura, Odontobutis platycephala.

Native biotope

Habitat
Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow
Still to very gentle water
Dissolved O₂
Average oxygen needs

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Smooth gravel and sand with open floor space
Hardscape
Driftwood, water-worn stones and shelters that mimic the native biotope
Plants
Hardy plants on hardscape; keep the floor open

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Solitary, pairs or small groups
Diet
Carnivore; quality prepared foods with variety; regular frozen or live foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs
  • China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs
  • Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Fish under half its size — May be eaten
  • Small fish and shrimp — Live-prey size

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes

Frequently asked questions

Is Odontobutis potamophila easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: predatory — best kept singly or as a pair; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Odontobutis potamophila need?

Aim for 18–26 °C. Standard heater to hold the mid-range steadily; community-standard range; verify locally.

How big does Odontobutis potamophila get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 10.6–15.2 cm; it is bottom; rests and forages low. Plan for at least 152 litres.

What does Odontobutis potamophila eat?

Carnivore; quality prepared foods with variety; regular frozen or live foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Odontobutis potamophila live with other fish?

Predatory — best kept singly or as a pair; solitary, pairs or small groups. Good company: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Fish under half its size — May be eaten, Small fish and shrimp — Live-prey size.

Where does Odontobutis potamophila come from?

Its home waters are Yangtze basin, China — clear streams, rivers and still waters, with still to very gentle water.

How does Odontobutis potamophila breed?

Spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.