Beaufortia kweichowensis

Common Names:

Butterfly Loach
Butterfly Pleco
Chinese Devilsucker
Common Hillstream Loach
Hong Kong Pleco

Synonyms:

Family:

Balitoridae

Category:

Catfish_Bottom_Feeders

Distribution:

Asia; China

Main Ecosystem:

Stream; As the name implies, taken from cool, highly-oxygenated mountain streams in China

Temperament:

Peaceful; Very peaceful community fish. Males will occasionally have territorial disputes, but injuries are rare because these fish do not possess the means to actually hurt each other.

Diet:

Ominvore; Feeds primarily on "aufwuchs", an organic layer found a large, flat rocks, which consists of both flora (in the form of algae) and fauna (zooplankton, tiny crustaceans, etc.). Aufwuchs can be cultivated by taking rocks with smooth surfaces, and placing them in a container with a little fish food in a sunny place. An organic layer should develop in a few days. These can then be placed into the tank.

This species will also accept high-quality flakes. Frozen foods are especially relished.

Care:

If a proper habitat can be provided, this species is not particularly difficult to keep. This species requires fast moving, highly-oxygenated water. Use a few powerheads to get adequate flow in the tank. This fish does not tolerate heat well, and so it should not be kept in a tank with a heater.

Bright lighting should also provided to encourage algal growth.

pH:

6.5 - 8

Temperature:

18°C - 24°C

64°F - 75°F

Hardness:

4 dH - 12 dH

Potential Size:

Male: 7.6cm (3")
Female: 7.6cm (3")

Water Region:

Bottom

Activity:

Not Specidied

Gender:

Very slight. Males are usually a bit more vivid in coloration.

Breeding:

Rare in home aquaria, and it has occurred only in tanks closely mimicking their natural environment. The male will dig a breeding pit underneath a smooth stone where the female will lay the eggs.

Variants:

None.

Comments:

For those wishing to provide a more naturalistic habitat, a long tank -- at least 4' -- that has powerful uni-directional flow and contains lots of driftwood and large, flat stones should be provided.

A great, peaceful fish for hobbyists looking for something a bit different and are willing to take this species' environmental requirements into account.

Main Colours:

Yellow, Brown, Black

Markings:

Mottled

Mouth:

Downturned

Tail:

Convex

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Image Credit:

Submitted By:

Joe Potato

Contributors:

Joe Potato

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