Parabotia mantschurica

Family: Cobitidae

Parabotia mantschurica — a Cobitidae freshwater fish. Reaches 16.1–23.7 cm; keep at 16–20 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
16–20 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
16.1–23.7 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful bottom-dweller

Species overview

Parabotia mantschurica is a Cobitidae. In the aquarium it stays peaceful bottom-dweller. Plan on 16.1–23.7 cm of adult fish at 16–20 °C. Related profiles: 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 Parabotia mantschurica easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful bottom-dweller. Loosely social; keep in small groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does Parabotia mantschurica need?

Hold 16–20 °C and keep it stable — 16–20 °C recorded range. Room temperature stable range.

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

Expect 16.1–23.7 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 500 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Parabotia mantschurica eat?

Omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking foods. It forages naturally over fine sand for burrowing, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Parabotia mantschurica live with other fish?

Peaceful bottom-dweller. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Parabotia mantschurica come from?

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

How does Parabotia mantschurica breed?

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