Butterfly Plecostomus
Description:
Scientific Name:
Beaufortia kweichowensis(Fang, 1931)
Common name:
Chinese Butterfly Loach, Hong-kong Plec, Butterfly Hillstream Loach, Chinese Sucker.
Synonyms:
Beaufortia leverreti kweichowensis.
Distribution: Widespread in China.
Sexual Dimorphism: Little obvious difference. Fish with behaviour that suggests that the are males often have stronger colouration.
Maximum size:
3 inches +
Similar to:
Several other Beaufortia species.
Care: Inhabit fast flowing highland streams over boulders. Aquarium must duplicate these conditions as fish have very high oxygen requirements.
With all sucker-type Hillstream species, care is broadly the same. All need excellent water-flow and aeration, numerous rocky hiding places and smooth pebbles and boulders to graze over. Lighting should be bright to encourage algal growth in the aquarium. Plants are not necessary as the fish do not normally encounter them in the wild, but they will help with water-quality. Suitable plants for high-flow environments are Anubias and Microsoreum. These will grow on rockwork or driftwood.
Feeding:
Note these fish have smaller mouths than Gastromyzon species which should be a consideration when it comes to feeding. Good quality flake, sinking pellets, algae wafers, thawed frozen Bloodworm, Mysis Shrimp, blanched Spinach, Kale and natural algae is an added advantage.
Water parameters:
pH:
7.0-8.0
Hardness:
Medium
Max dh:
12
Temperature:
20-23.8°C
