Parabotia bimaculata — a Cobitidae from Yangtze basin, China, mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time. Reaches 11.9–17.4 cm; gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended. 18–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
11.9–17.4 cm
Minimum tank
363 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time
Origin
Yangtze basin, China
Species overview
From the waters of Yangtze basin, China comes Parabotia bimaculata, a member of the family Cobitidae. A sand-sifting bottom resident most active after the lights fade. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 11.9–17.4 cm. Gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended. Choose sand over gravel, feed after dusk, and keep ammonia at zero — loaches punish neglect visibly. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A solid choice for a well-planned community tank.
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
Gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended
Diet
Unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim
Recommended tankmates
Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict