Parabotia fasciata – Chinese Butterfly Loach (~15 cm / ~6 inches)

📦 Description

Parabotia fasciata, known as the Chinese Butterfly Loach, is a larger river loach native to fast-flowing tributaries of the Yangtze River. It reaches up to approximately 15 cm (6 in) in length. It features a streamlined body with strong patterning and belongs to the Botiidae family. Though occasionally misidentified in import batches, it remains one of the rarest loaches available to hobbyists.

🧰 Care Instructions

• Tank Setup: Requires a large tank (≥ 240 L or ~63 gal) with at least 120 × 45 cm base for swimming space, strong flow, and high oxygenation

• Water Conditions:

  • Temperature: 20–24 °C (68–75 °F)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • General hardness: approx. 6–18 °dGH (90–357 ppm) 

• Substrate & Decor: Mimic streambed environment using varied rock and gravel substrate, water‑worn boulders, driftwood, and form shaded spots with large slate or root structures. Hardy epiphytes like Anubias or Microsorum can be attached to decor 

• Diet: Likely opportunistic feeders—offer a varied diet of live or frozen foods (bloodworms, tubifex, chopped shellfish, earthworms) and high-quality sinking pellets or flakes 

• Behavior & Social Needs: Generally peaceful but may intimidate smaller tankmates due to its size. Best kept in groups of at least 3–4 individuals of its own kind. Avoid long-dined or slow-moving species that could be nipped 

• Maintenance: Needs pristine water—perform frequent partial water changes (20–30%), use efficient filtration, and maintain strong biological stability. Avoid adding to immature aquaria