Sinibotia reevesae — a Cobitidae from Yangtze basin, China, mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time. Reaches 13.5–19.8 cm; gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended. 22–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
22–26 °C
pH
7–7.8
GH hardness
6–22 dGH
Adult length
13.5–19.8 cm
Minimum tank
470 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time
Origin
Yangtze basin, China
Species overview
Sinibotia reevesae, a member of the family Cobitidae, is native to Yangtze basin, China. 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 13.5–19.8 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 22–26 °C at pH 7–7.8. Best suited to a keeper who can match its natural water.
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