Leveretti Beaufortia Care Guide
Beaufortia leveretti is a robust hillstream loach from China and Vietnam, requiring fast, oxygen-rich water and grazing biofilm from rocks.
Overview
Beaufortia leveretti is a robust hillstream loach with a flattened, sucker-bodied form similar to the related Hong Kong pleco. It clings to rocks in swift current using its broad pectoral and pelvic fins. Like other Beaufortia, it is adapted to fast-flowing, oxygen-rich rivers.
Taxonomy
- Family: Balitoridae
- Genus: Beaufortia
- Scientific name: Beaufortia leveretti
Habitat
The species occurs in fast-flowing streams of the Red and Pearl River systems in China and Vietnam, and on Hainan Island. It is found in large rivers and streams, typically in shallow water over sandy and rocky bottoms where biofilm develops on submerged surfaces.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 18-24 °C (64-75 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.8
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Water flow: high, well-oxygenated
- Group size: 3 or more individuals
- Maximum size: about 12 cm
Diet
As with related hillstream loaches it is a herbivore that grazes biofilm and benthic algae from rocks. Aquaria should provide algae-covered surfaces; algae wafers and blanched vegetables can supplement the diet, while excessive protein is best avoided.
Compatibility
It is peaceful and suited to a group, where mild territorial behaviour spreads out. Best companions are other hillstream loaches and fish that share fast, cool, oxygen-rich water. Slow-water species are not appropriate.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (status upgraded from Data Deficient in 2010), reflecting its wide distribution and absence of identified major threats.