Parabotia kiangsiensis

Family: Cobitidae

Parabotia kiangsiensis — a Cobitidae from 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
China

Species overview

Parabotia kiangsiensis is a Cobitidae from China. In the wild it prefers sandy stretches of slow rivers; in the aquarium it stays mostly peaceful. Plan on 11.9–17.4 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. Related profiles: Parabotia bimaculata, Parabotia fasciata, 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
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
Avoid keeping with
  • Large predators — Loaches are on the menu

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females noticeably plumper when mature
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer; no parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Parabotia kiangsiensis easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time; gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended.

What temperature and water chemistry does Parabotia kiangsiensis need?

Aim for 18–26 °C. Room temperature stable range; 18–26 °C typical for the family.

How big does Parabotia kiangsiensis get, and what tank size?

Full size is 11.9–17.4 cm. Minimum tank: 363 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Parabotia kiangsiensis eat?

Unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Parabotia kiangsiensis live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time — pair it with Small calm cyprinids — Occupy a different water layer and skip Large predators — Loaches are on the menu.

Where does Parabotia kiangsiensis come from?

Comes from China: sandy stretches of slow rivers. Expect gentle current and tolerates moderate oxygen levels.

How does Parabotia kiangsiensis breed?

Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Females noticeably plumper when mature.