Parabotia kiangsiensis – Point Face Golden Loach (~10 cm / ~4 inches)

📦 Description

Parabotia kiangsiensis, commonly called the Point Face or Jiangxi Golden Loach, is a rarely seen Botiid loach native to the Sin River tributaries in Jiangxi Province, China. Adults reach approximately 8 cm (sometimes up to 10 cm) and have a distinctive golden-brown base color speckled with darker body striping and notable facial spotting. Their large, expressive orange irises and elegant body shape make them visually striking.

These loaches are peaceful but active group dwellers—not aggressive, but may overwhelm much smaller fish due to size and behavior. They forage naturally on benthic invertebrates and algae, and are often sensitive to water conditions.

🧰 Care Instructions

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gal (~75 L); broader footprint tanks are preferred to support flow and grazing behaviors.

• Water Flow & Oxygen: Moderate to strong unidirectional flow; excellent oxygenation is crucial.

• Water Conditions:

  • Temperature: 20–24 °C (68–75 °F)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (GH ~5–15 °dGH), TDS 90–350 ppm 

• Substrate & Decor: Mix of medium gravel, smooth stones, driftwood, and some plants for shelter. Provide shaded browsing areas.

• Diet: Omnivorous. Offer high-quality sinking pellets, flakes, algae wafers, live/frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Also feed occasional blanched vegetables like zucchini.

• Behavior & Tank Mates: Peaceful but can be bold around smaller, slow-moving fish; best housed with peaceful mid-water loaches, danios, or catfish of similar size. Keep in groups of 3–4 or more to encourage natural socialization.

• Maintenance: Maintain pristine, well-filtered water; weekly partial changes of 20–30%. Preserve some biofilm on decor for grazing; avoid over-cleaning tank surfaces.