Origin
Native to the upper mountain streams of the Guangxi and Guizhou provinces in southern China, particularly in the You and Liu Rivers.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Juveniles display bold black-and-white “panda” patterning, which fades to a more muted gray-and-brown coloration in adults. They have a compact, armored body and exhibit graceful crawling and gliding behaviors along smooth surfaces.

Purpose
Adds contrast and micro-motion to aquascapes, particularly in coolwater or stream-style layouts. Useful in biofilm-rich tanks where they can graze naturally.

Importance
Ideal for aquarists looking to explore hillstream biotopes or add peaceful, small fish that require unique flow environments. Their juvenile stage makes them a favorite among nano-tank enthusiasts and aquascapers.

Included Resources
Requires soft, sandy or smooth rock substrate, stable flow, and consistent oxygenation. Tanks should be mature with established biofilm and algae layers for grazing.

Best Use Cases
Hillstream biotope tanks, aquascapes with high-flow filtration, or community tanks with other coolwater, bottom-dwelling species. Best housed in groups of 3–6.

Conservation Context
Due to their narrow habitat range and environmental sensitivity, wild populations are vulnerable to water pollution and damming. Ethical sourcing is critical for long-term species sustainability.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Hillstream loaches
• Danios and white cloud minnows
• Stiphodon gobies
• Coolwater snails
• Avoid aggressive or warmwater species

Region (A)
• Latitude: 24.2760° N
• Longitude: 107.5280° E
(Upper You River, Guangxi Province, China)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 26.6470° N
• Longitude: 107.7580° E
(Northern Guizhou highland streams, China)