
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Beaufortia kweichowensis
A torrent fish with a flat, disc-like body that clamps onto rock, patterned rather like a leopard. It needs strong flow, cool oxygen-rich water and algae-covered rock, and it is a poor companion for goldfish.
Beaufortia kweichowensis is a hillstream fish of the Zhu Jiang basin in China. FishBase gives a total length of 8.0cm and a common standard length of 5.4cm, while Seriously Fish gives 75mm. The body is flattened into a disc, and the spread paired fins act as a sucker against rock. Flow and oxygen are the keys to keeping it: Seriously Fish advises a turnover of 10 to 15 times per hour with an oversized filter, and strong lighting to grow algae. The figures given are 16-24C, pH 6.5-8.0, 2-15dGH and a 60 x 30cm tank of about 54 litres. It feeds mainly on algae and micro-organisms rasped from surfaces, and too much protein causes internal problems. It is largely peaceful, but its environmental needs limit the choice of tankmates to fish of the same stream habitats. Seriously Fish states plainly that it makes a poor companion for goldfish, despite the two often being discussed together. It is presumed to be a seasonal spawner in the wild, and no aquarium breeding has been recorded. IUCN status is Least Concern.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Hong Kong Pleco lives 10-15 years.
The Hong Kong Pleco grows to 5.4-8cm.
The ideal temperature for the Hong Kong Pleco is 16〜24℃.
Origin
East Asia (China, Zhu Jiang basin)
Lifespan
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Beaufortia kweichowensis (Fang, 1931)
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
10-15 years
Size
5.4-8cm
Temperature
16〜24℃
Benthic algae, home-made foods with Spirulina, vegetable-based dried foods
Seriously Fish suggests a 60 x 30cm base of about 54 litres. Layer water-worn stones of varying size over sand and gravel, and create a turnover of 10 to 15 times per hour. Keep lighting strong to grow algae.
Seriously Fish gives 16-24C, pH 6.5-8.0 and 2-15dGH. Clean, well-oxygenated water is essential, and sustained warmth wears it down.
Largely peaceful, but tankmates are limited to species that share its conditions, such as small cyprinids, Rhinogobius gobies and rheophilic catfishes. Seriously Fish states that it makes a poor companion for goldfish.
Its staple is algae and micro-organisms rasped from surfaces. Home-made foods bound with gelatin and rich in vegetables or Spirulina suit it. Too much animal food such as bloodworm causes internal problems.
It is presumed to be a seasonal spawner in the wild, but Seriously Fish knows of no record of aquarium breeding.
It forms loose aggregations in the wild, so a group of six or more settles better. Shipments sometimes contain other genera, so check the pattern when choosing. IUCN status is Least Concern.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Hong Kong Pleco is 16〜24℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Hong Kong Pleco is 10-15 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Hong Kong Pleco typically reaches 5.4-8cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Hong Kong Pleco feeds on: Benthic algae, home-made foods with Spirulina, vegetable-based dried foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Hong Kong Pleco varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026