Family: Cobitidae
Parabotia lijiangensis — a Cobitidae from 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.
Parabotia lijiangensis is a Cobitidae from China. In the wild it prefers sandy stretches of slow rivers; in the aquarium it stays peaceful bottom-dweller. Plan on 11.9–17.4 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. Related profiles: Parabotia bimaculata, Parabotia fasciata, Parabotia kiangsiensis.
Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy.
Hold 18–26 °C and keep it stable — 18–26 °C typical for the family. Room temperature stable range.
Expect 11.9–17.4 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 363 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods. It forages naturally over fine sand for burrowing, so let some food reach the bottom.
Yes, with care. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand — pair it with Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict and skip Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters.
Native to China, where it lives in sandy stretches of slow rivers. Gentle current; Tolerates moderate oxygen levels.
Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned. Females noticeably plumper when mature.