Freshwater
Loach
More details
Imperial Flower Loach (Leptobotia elongata)
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Pro
Description
The Imperial Flower Loach is a majestic giant among loaches, prized for its vibrant patterning and strong presence in large river-style aquariums. It grows exceptionally large and requires specific conditions, making it a rare but awe-inspiring addition for experienced aquarists.
Difficulty Level
Expert Only
Region
Imperial Flower Loach (Leptobotia elongata)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires a very large tank, river-like flow, and tight-fitting lid. Sensitive to stress and poor water quality.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught and endemic to limited regions. Overharvesting and habitat loss have impacted wild populations.
Origin
Endemic to the upper and middle Yangtze River basin in China, particularly in fast-moving tributaries and deep river pools.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Displays tiger-like striping across a muscular, elongated body. Graceful but powerful swimmer. Active and curious with an alert demeanor and striking face pattern.
Purpose
Serves as a showpiece fish in very large freshwater aquaria. Also contributes to bio-load management with its scavenging tendencies.
Importance
Its rarity and size make it a crown jewel in Asian biotope tanks and river setups. Valued by serious hobbyists for its behavior and ecological significance.
Included Resources
Needs a high-capacity filtration system, strong water flow, oxygenation, and a tight lid. Requires sand or fine gravel substrate with ample swimming room and low clutter.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for river-style tanks over 300 gallons. Pairs well with strong swimmers and bottom dwellers in similar size categories. Suited for advanced biotope or public displays.
Conservation Context
Listed as Vulnerable in the wild due to damming of the Yangtze River and habitat degradation. Captive breeding is being explored to reduce pressure on wild populations.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Large Chinese algae eaters
• Robust loaches (e.g., Clown Loach, Dojo Loach)
• Silver dollars
• Large barbs
• Avoid small fish and delicate inverts
Region (A)
• Latitude: 30.5931° N
• Longitude: 114.3054° E
(Wuhan, China — mid-Yangtze river channel)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 31.2304° N
• Longitude: 121.4737° E
(Shanghai region — lower Yangtze delta fringe)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Imperial Flower Loach (Leptobotia elongata)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires a very large tank, river-like flow, and tight-fitting lid. Sensitive to stress and poor water quality.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught and endemic to limited regions. Overharvesting and habitat loss have impacted wild populations.
Origin
Endemic to the upper and middle Yangtze River basin in China, particularly in fast-moving tributaries and deep river pools.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Displays tiger-like striping across a muscular, elongated body. Graceful but powerful swimmer. Active and curious with an alert demeanor and striking face pattern.
Purpose
Serves as a showpiece fish in very large freshwater aquaria. Also contributes to bio-load management with its scavenging tendencies.
Importance
Its rarity and size make it a crown jewel in Asian biotope tanks and river setups. Valued by serious hobbyists for its behavior and ecological significance.
Included Resources
Needs a high-capacity filtration system, strong water flow, oxygenation, and a tight lid. Requires sand or fine gravel substrate with ample swimming room and low clutter.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for river-style tanks over 300 gallons. Pairs well with strong swimmers and bottom dwellers in similar size categories. Suited for advanced biotope or public displays.
Conservation Context
Listed as Vulnerable in the wild due to damming of the Yangtze River and habitat degradation. Captive breeding is being explored to reduce pressure on wild populations.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Large Chinese algae eaters
• Robust loaches (e.g., Clown Loach, Dojo Loach)
• Silver dollars
• Large barbs
• Avoid small fish and delicate inverts
Region (A)
• Latitude: 30.5931° N
• Longitude: 114.3054° E
(Wuhan, China — mid-Yangtze river channel)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 31.2304° N
• Longitude: 121.4737° E
(Shanghai region — lower Yangtze delta fringe)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Imperial Flower Loach (Leptobotia elongata)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires a very large tank, river-like flow, and tight-fitting lid. Sensitive to stress and poor water quality.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught and endemic to limited regions. Overharvesting and habitat loss have impacted wild populations.
Origin
Endemic to the upper and middle Yangtze River basin in China, particularly in fast-moving tributaries and deep river pools.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Displays tiger-like striping across a muscular, elongated body. Graceful but powerful swimmer. Active and curious with an alert demeanor and striking face pattern.
Purpose
Serves as a showpiece fish in very large freshwater aquaria. Also contributes to bio-load management with its scavenging tendencies.
Importance
Its rarity and size make it a crown jewel in Asian biotope tanks and river setups. Valued by serious hobbyists for its behavior and ecological significance.
Included Resources
Needs a high-capacity filtration system, strong water flow, oxygenation, and a tight lid. Requires sand or fine gravel substrate with ample swimming room and low clutter.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for river-style tanks over 300 gallons. Pairs well with strong swimmers and bottom dwellers in similar size categories. Suited for advanced biotope or public displays.
Conservation Context
Listed as Vulnerable in the wild due to damming of the Yangtze River and habitat degradation. Captive breeding is being explored to reduce pressure on wild populations.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Large Chinese algae eaters
• Robust loaches (e.g., Clown Loach, Dojo Loach)
• Silver dollars
• Large barbs
• Avoid small fish and delicate inverts
Region (A)
• Latitude: 30.5931° N
• Longitude: 114.3054° E
(Wuhan, China — mid-Yangtze river channel)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 31.2304° N
• Longitude: 121.4737° E
(Shanghai region — lower Yangtze delta fringe)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Imperial Flower Loach (Leptobotia elongata)
Region
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