Parabotia kiangsiensis — a Cobitidae from 中国, 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
中国
Species overview
Parabotia kiangsiensis, a member of the family Cobitidae, is native to 中国. Half of its life happens after dark; give it fine sand and it will reward you with natural foraging. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 11.9–17.4 cm. Gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended. Use a soft sand bed and feed sinking foods; coarse gravel wears down its sensory barbels. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.
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
Small calm cyprinids — Occupy a different water layer