Parabotia banarescui

Family: Cobitidae

Parabotia banarescui — a Cobitidae freshwater fish. Reaches 16–23.5 cm; keep at 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
16–23.5 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful bottom-dweller

Species overview

Parabotia banarescui is a Cobitidae. In the aquarium it stays peaceful bottom-dweller. Plan on 16–23.5 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. Related profiles: Parabotia bimaculata, Parabotia fasciata, Parabotia kiangsiensis.

Native biotope

Habitat
Sandy stretches of slow rivers
Flow
Gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Tolerates moderate oxygen levels

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand for burrowing
Hardscape
Smooth stones and driftwood caves
Plants
Low-light tolerant plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Loosely social; keep in small groups
Diet
Omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking 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
Females noticeably plumper when mature
Breeding method
Rare in home aquaria

Frequently asked questions

Is Parabotia banarescui easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful bottom-dweller; loosely social; keep in small groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does Parabotia banarescui need?

Aim for 18–26 °C. Room temperature stable range; 18–26 °C typical for the genus.

How big does Parabotia banarescui get, and what tank size?

Full size is 16–23.5 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Parabotia banarescui eat?

Omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Parabotia banarescui live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Peaceful bottom-dweller — pair it with Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs and skip Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Parabotia banarescui come from?

Found in sandy stretches of slow rivers; expect gentle current and tolerates moderate oxygen levels.

How does Parabotia banarescui breed?

In the aquarium: rare in home aquaria. Females noticeably plumper when mature.