Elongate loach

Leptobotia elongata

Family : Botiidae

FishFreshwaterloach

The elongate loach is a large species, threatened in its natural habitat. It requires a very large aquarium with strong current and highly oxygenated water.

Elongate loach — photo 1 sur 2 — Guo D-M, Zhang E (2021) Re-description of the loach species Leptobotia citrauratea (Teleostei, Botiidae), with the description of L. brachycephala from southern Zhejiang Province, China. ZooKeys 1017: 89-109. · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.01 / 2

Popularity

Community fish

classic in freshwater aquarium

Availability

Common in shops

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Endangered

Description

The body is very elongated and cylindrical, reaching up to 40 cm. Coloration is olive-brown to grayish with irregular dark spots. The head is small with reduced eyes. The fins are short and robust. This species is mainly nocturnal and spends the day hidden under rocks. It feeds on benthic invertebrates and small fish. In aquariums, it can become less shy if kept in a group. Its growth is slow and its lifespan exceeds 15 years. Reproduction has not been observed in captivity.

Habitat

Region :

Rivers with moderate to strong current, rocky or gravelly bottoms, clear and well-oxygenated waters.

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature18–24 °C

pH6.5–7.5

GH5–15 °dGH

KH3–10 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 20 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 0.3 mg/L

Care

Difficulty

4/5

Diet

Carnivore

Min. tank

400 L

Min. group

Adult size

40 cm

Lifespan

15 years

Temperament

paisible (nocturne)

Propagation

non documentée en captivité

Care notes

A minimum 400-liter aquarium is essential for a small group of 4-6 individuals. The substrate should be smooth gravel or coarse sand. Strong current and intense oxygenation are required (powerhead). Temperature should be maintained between 18-24°C, pH 6.5-7.5, hardness 5-15 dGH. Diet is carnivorous: earthworms, mussels, shrimp, carnivore pellets. Spacious hiding places (caves, large rocks) are essential. Avoid slow-moving or long-finned fish. Water changes should be frequent (30% weekly). This species is sensitive to water quality.

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