Kissing Loach (Parabotia curtus)

Family: Cobitidae

Kissing Loach — a Cobitidae freshwater fish. Reaches 11.2–16.5 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
11.2–16.5 cm
Minimum tank
327 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful bottom-dweller

Species overview

Parabotia curtus of the family Cobitidae is an aquarium-kept Cobitidae. Peaceful bottom-dweller and omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking foods, it grows to 11.2–16.5 cm and prefers 18–26 °C water. Other Parabotia species in our database include 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 Kissing Loach easy to keep?

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

What temperature and water chemistry does Kissing Loach need?

Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Kissing Loach get, and what tank size?

Full size is 11.2–16.5 cm. Minimum tank: 327 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Kissing Loach eat?

Omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Kissing Loach live with other fish?

Peaceful bottom-dweller; loosely social; keep in small groups. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Kissing Loach come from?

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

How does Kissing Loach breed?

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