---

Taxonomy & Identification

• Scientific name: Leptobotia guilinensis Chen, 1980
• Family: Botiidae
• Order: Cypriniformes
• Common names: Guilin loach (sometimes mislabelled in trade as related Sinibotia species) 

Identification features:

• Slender, elongated body adapted for currents
• Brown to olive base coloration with darker mottling or banding
• Two pairs of barbels used for sensing food on the substrate
• Adults typically reach 10–12 cm (4–5 in) in total length 

---

Natural Distribution & Habitat

• Endemic to China, mainly Guangxi Province (around Guilin) with records also from parts of Hunan Province
• Inhabits clear, oxygen-rich rivers and streams, usually with moderate to fast flow
• Prefers rocky, gravel, or sandy riverbeds, using stones for cover and foraging

---

Ecology & Behavior

• Demersal (bottom-dwelling) and active, often swimming into current
• Feeds on aquatic insects, small crustaceans, and other benthic invertebrates
• Social in nature; tends to form loose hierarchies rather than strict territories 

---

Aquarium Care Guide

Best suited for intermediate aquarists or river-tank setups.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum tank size: 25 gallon.
• Aquascape: River-style with smooth stones, gravel, driftwood, and multiple hiding places
• Water flow: Moderate to strong; high oxygenation is essential 

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 15.5–23.8 °C (60–75 °F)
• pH: 6.5–8.0
• Hardness: Soft to medium

Diet

• Omnivorous and easy to feed
• Accepts sinking pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia), and occasional live foods
• Benefits from dietary variety [

Compatibility

• Peaceful but active; may intimidate very small or slow fish
• Best kept in groups of 3–5 to reduce stress and increase natural behavior
• Compatible with peaceful cyprinids and other riverine species 

---

Breeding

• No confirmed aquarium breeding records
• Sexual dimorphism is unclear; mature females may be slightly rounder-bodied 

---

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)
• Assessment date: 19 January 2011
• No current evidence of major population decline, though habitat degradation and localized collection may pose future risks 

---