Parabotia fasciata

Family: Cobitidae

Parabotia fasciata — a Cobitidae from Yangtze basin, China, peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Reaches 11.9–17.4 cm; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. 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
Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand
Origin
Yangtze basin, China

Species overview

A Cobitidae species native to Yangtze basin, China: Parabotia fasciata lives bottom-dwelling over sandy stretches of slow rivers. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Adults reach 11.9–17.4 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Parabotia species we profile, alongside Parabotia bimaculata, Parabotia kiangsiensis, Parabotia lijiangensis.

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
Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy
Diet
Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict
Avoid keeping with
  • Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females noticeably plumper when mature
Breeding method
Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned

Frequently asked questions

Is Parabotia fasciata easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy.

What temperature and water chemistry does Parabotia fasciata 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 Parabotia fasciata get, and what tank size?

Expect 11.9–17.4 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 363 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Parabotia fasciata eat?

Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Parabotia fasciata live with other fish?

Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. Good company: Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict. Keep away from Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters.

Where does Parabotia fasciata come from?

Its home waters are Yangtze basin, China — sandy stretches of slow rivers, with gentle current.

How does Parabotia fasciata breed?

Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned. Females noticeably plumper when mature.