Labiobarbus Leptocheilus

Datasheet

General Description

Labiobarbus leptocheilus is a peaceful species that thrives in a community of larger stream-dwelling Indochinese fish. They exhibit gregarious behavior and should ideally be kept in groups of at least six individuals to display better colors and more natural behavior. However, in the absence of similarly-sized tankmates, they may act skittishly.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for L. leptocheilus, it is recommended to mimic a flowing river or stream environment with a substrate of rocks, gravel, and water-worn boulders. Driftwood branches can be added, along with hardy plant species like Microsorum, Bolbitis, or Anubias attached to the decor. Adequate lighting promoting aufwuchs growth is necessary, and clean water with high oxygen levels and water movement is vital for their well-being.

Behaviour

These fish are known for their peaceful nature, making them suitable additions to community tanks. They exhibit enhanced colors and natural behaviors when kept in groups. L. leptocheilus are gregarious and prefer the company of conspecifics or similar-sized tankmates to feel secure.

Feeding and Diet

In their natural habitat, L. leptocheilus graze on biofilm covering submerged surfaces, feeding on algae, small crustaceans, and insect larvae. To maintain optimal coloration and health, they should be fed small live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, Daphnia, Artemia, quality dried flakes, granules, and plant matter. Occasional offerings of fresh fruits and vegetables like cucumber, melon, or blanched spinach are beneficial.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Information on the reproduction of L. leptocheilus is currently unrecorded. While sexual dimorphism is unconfirmed, sexually mature females are likely to have a deeper body compared to males.

Habitat and Distribution

Labirbarbus leptocheilus is widely distributed across Southeast Asia, including the Mekong basin, the Salween River, the Dong Nai drainage, the Chao Phraya and Mae Klong systems in Thailand, and various watersheds in southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, and the Greater Sunda Islands of Borneo, Sumatra, and Java. Its type locality is Jakarta, Java, Indonesia.