Imperial Flower Loach (Leptobotia elongata)

Leptobotia elongata, the Imperial Flower Loach, is one of the largest loach species available in the aquarium hobby and is native to the Yangtze River basin of China, where it is now considered endangered. It has a slender, elongated body with a mosaic of dark markings over a golden-yellow base that becomes especially vivid and detailed in adults. This impressive fish requires a very large aquarium with strong current and high oxygenation and is genuinely only suited to experienced keepers with appropriately scaled facilities.

Requires a very large aquarium (minimum 500 L) with strong directional water flow, excellent oxygenation, and a rocky substrate with caves and flat stones. Maintain cooler temperature 16–24°C, pH 6.5–7.5, moderate hardness. Feed high-protein carnivore foods: frozen shrimp, mussels, large bloodworm, sinking carnivore pellets. Keep singly or in pairs; can be territorial with other large loaches. Never overcrowd — this fish needs large territories.