Family: Cobitidae
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.
Parabotia bimaculata, a member of the family Cobitidae, comes from Yangtze basin, China, where it inhabits sandy stretches of slow rivers. Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time and unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim, it grows to 11.9–17.4 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 18–26 °C range. Other Parabotia species in our database include Parabotia fasciata, Parabotia kiangsiensis, Parabotia lijiangensis.
A moderate-level species: mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
Full size is 11.9–17.4 cm. Minimum tank: 363 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.
Unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Yes, with care. Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time — pair it with Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict and skip Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters.
Its home waters are Yangtze basin, China — sandy stretches of slow rivers, with gentle current.
Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Females noticeably plumper when mature.