Kansu Loach - Sinibotia robusta : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide

Introduction

The Kansu Loach (Sinibotia robusta) is a unique and fascinating species highly valued for its cultural and aesthetic value. These Loaches are highly sought after due to their attractive appearance and hardy nature. In addition, the species is considered a good choice for novice aquarium hobbyists and are relatively easy to look after. The Kansu Loaches do best in groups of their own kind, so you should house at least three of them together, with five or more being ideal. As a result, these fish will be able to form a complex social hierarchy, behave naturally within shoals, and spread territorial behaviour among them. While other Sinibotia are generally peaceful, this species is very feisty, so be careful when choosing tank mates. Tankmates should be swift and robust, and other peaceful Botiids, torpedo-shaped nemacheilid Loaches, medium-sized Devarios, or Barb species could accompany these Loaches. Home aquariums should emulate natural habitats as closely as possible by utilizing powerful filtration and additional powerheads to create decent currents and oxygenate the water efficiently. The water may need to be chilled during the warmest months of the year, depending on where you live. You should only add these Loaches to biologically mature aquariums. The next step is to create many hiding spots and 'visual barriers' with smooth rounded rocks, pebbles of different sizes, and driftwood. The substrate should be free of sharp edges as these loaches enjoy digging around in search of food, and nothing should damage their delicate sensory barbels. It is best to keep these loaches in dim lighting, and a covered tank is a must since they can escape through even the smallest openings since they are jumpers. The body of the Kansu loach is golden-brown, with horizontal striping across the head and through the eyes, followed by dark vertical bands along the rest of the body; however, these are highly variable and gradually split as the fish matures. The head is typically elongated like other Sinibotia, but the species lacks the long, slender body of other members of the family and is a more compact fish. In addition, they have dark bars through the dorsal and caudal fin, and the pectoral fins are translucent yellow.