Chinese Butterfly Loach (Pseudogastromyzon cheni)

Fish in the family Gastromyzontidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.

Chinese Butterfly Loach

Quick facts

Scientific namePseudogastromyzon cheni
FamilyGastromyzontidae
Also known asCheni Hillstream Loach, Hong Kong Pleco
Care levelModerate
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentPeaceful
Dietomnivore
Adult size2 in
Minimum tank size20 gallons
Water parametersTemp 68-75°F, pH 6.5-8.0, GH 6-15 dGH

Appearance

Small flattened sucker body, grayish with fine dark spotting and a paler belly.

Difficulty and care for the Chinese Butterfly Loach

Moderate

Origin and habitat

Southern China

Keeper notes

Peaceful, social algae grazer; males spar harmlessly over feeding spots. Safe with shrimp.

Log Chinese Butterfly Loach in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Chinese Butterfly Loach alongside everything else in your reef.