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Lepto Loach

Family: Cobitidae

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Leptobotia guilinensis Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Ken Childs

   The Leptobotia Guilinensis is not only a very pretty loach, but it is one that is a very rare find!

   This loach has an elongated golden brown body with a very attractive design. Horizontal stripes run across the head to just behind the eyes. Along the rest of the body including the fins and tail are dark vertical bands.

   The Leptobotia Guilinensis are from cooler, temperate waters and are not often seen for sale here. In the Leptobotia genus there are 13 species. They all originate from China except one, the rare and endangered Leptobotia curta which is from Japan. Leptobotia Guilinensis is a rather small member reaching only about 3 - 4" (8 - 10 cm). Other members can get quite large, such as the massive Royal Clown Loach Leptobotia elongata which can reach about 20" (50 cm) in the wild!

   Keeping a Leptobotia Guilinensis loach can be an enriching experience. They can be kept in a community aquarium, but with more robust tank mates as they can get territorial. Unlike many loaches they are not shy. Though they will appreciate lots of hiding and resting places in caves, rocks, and roots, they are active and will not spend as much time hiding.

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Distribution:
   Leptobotia Guilinensis are found in Asia; China and Viet Vietnam They inhabit streams with sandy bottoms.

Size - Weight:
   These fish reach up to about 3 - 4" ( 8 - 10 cm ).

Social Behaviors:
   Unlike many loaches they are not shy. Though they are generally a peaceful community fish, they are quite active and can get aggressive. They can get territorial and may nip the fins of their tank mates.

Sexual Differences:
   Unknown.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   These fish are mostly bottom dwellers.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Hardness: medium hard of 5 - 15° dH
   Ph: 6.0 - 7.5
   Temp: 72 - 77° F (22 - 25° C)

Breeding/Reproduction:
   The Leptobotia Guilinensis have not been bred in the aquarium and they are not yet bred commercially.

Availability:
   The Leptobotia Guilinensis is very rarely available, but quite a find if you come across one.

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Latest Comments
Are you sure they weren't just trying to "play" with the koi or school with them. Every single loach or botia I have had love to try to school with other fish whether it be a jaguar cichlid or tetra. I also notice they like to act as cleaner wrasse somewhat. I have seen mine swim sideways against other fish and what not, and I know a lot of koi can be very paranoid and jumpy so it's possible your koi freaked themselves to death from the loaches trying to interact with them. I don't know, it's a thought, I wasn't there watching your loaches so I cant really say. Troy Finke 2009-03-16
I received a Leptobotia guilinensis and put it in with my Koi and within two days my Koi are dead, it chased them around the pond, 80 gallons with many hiding area's. Is this normal behavior? Patrice Johnson 2008-07-06
This loach is a fun species to watch, I inherited one and he is very lively and active! lacycall 2006-01-24

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Author: Clarice Brough. CFS.