Beaufortia

Beaufortia pingi is a hillstream loach from southern China, where it lives in fast-flowing, well-oxygenated streams clinging to rocks using its adapted pelvic fins that form a suction cup. FishBase records a maximum total length of 7.4 cm, though the species is rarely seen in the trade and detailed aquarium data are scarce. What little is known comes from keeper experience with congeners such as Beaufortia kweichowensis, which suggests a cool-water setup with strong current and abundant biofilm for grazing. A 60-litre tank with a long footprint and smooth river stones is a reasonable starting point for a small group. Temperature should stay between 18 and 24°C with a pH of 6.5–7.5. The diet is primarily herbivorous — algae wafers and blanched vegetables supplement whatever biofilm grows in the tank. Peaceful and bottom-dwelling, it is best kept with other cool-water species such as danios or white cloud mountain minnows. Almost all published care information for this species is extrapolated from close relatives, not from B. pingi-specific sources.