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Yangtze golden loach

Sinibotia superciliaris

Also known as Anhui loach, Botia superciliaris

FreshwaterFish
Yangtze golden loach (Sinibotia superciliaris)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
61–75°F (16–24°C)
pH
6.5–7.5
Adult size
6.5 in (16.4 cm)
Minimum tank
53 gal (200 L)
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Tankmates
Tankmates with caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Origin
Upper Yangtze basin, Sichuan and Guizhou, China
Family
Botiidae

Overview

An unheated tank with current suits it exactly; pair it with other temperate Chinese stream fish rather than tropical stock. Groups do best, fed sinking meaty foods. Summer heat above the mid 20s Celsius is its main enemy indoors.

In the wild

This loach comes from the upper Yangtze basin in Sichuan and Guizhou, temperate water with real seasons. Keep it cool, 16 to 24 degrees Celsius, with strong flow, high oxygen, and a floor of stone and sand at pH 6.5 to 7.5.

Good to know

Sinibotia superciliaris reaches around 16 centimeters; the name refers to the eyebrow-like marking over each eye. It is a temperate river fish first and an aquarium fish second, still rare in the trade.

Did you know

Its species name means eyebrowed, for the dark brow-stripe over each eye that gives every fish a permanently skeptical expression.

Common questions

What size tank does a Yangtze golden loach need?

A Yangtze golden loach needs at least 53 gal (200 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH do Yangtze golden loach need?

Yangtze golden loach are comfortable at 61–75°F (16–24°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.5.

How big do Yangtze golden loach get?

An adult Yangtze golden loach reaches about 6.5 in (16.4 cm).

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Loaches · Bottom dwellers · Coldwater fish

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