• Scientific name : Sinibotia robusta
• Synonyms: Botia robusta, Botia hexafurca, Nemacheilus robustus, Barbatula robusta
• Common name: Kansu Loach
• Group: Loaches
• Habitat: Asia; China and Mongolia
• Size: 18 cm
• Biotope: Inhabits in the Tanguto River, in fast to medium flow streams, over a rocky and gravel substrate.
• Social behavior: The Kansu Loach sometimes preys on small fishes. It is territorial and the males are very aggressive to each other.
• Diet: All types of live foods. Kansu loach likes snails, so is good for snail control. Dry food is accepted as well.
• Breeding: Not bred in captivity
• Tank: Minimum 180 litres
• Population: 4 fish for 250 litres
• Decoration: They like to hide under rocks. Provide a soft substrate such as a fine gravel or sand. Strong filtration with surface movement to maximize the oxygen concentration and partial water changes every 2-3 weeks are vital to its well-being.
• Temperature: 18-25°C
• pH: 7-7,8.
• Hardness: 6-22NK°
• Lifespan: 6-10 years

Description: The Sinibotia robusta has a striking appearance: their base color is yellowish to golden, and they usually have 6 vertical dark bars on their flanks, but these are highly variable and become bifurcated at their lower ends. These stripes are gradually split as the fish matures. The head is typically elongate. They have horizontal stripes across their head and through their eyes. The pectoral fins are a translucent yellow.

It should be kept either as a single specimen, or in a small group. Because they are naturally nocturnal, they will be active at dusk and in the evening.

Cool temperatures are required. In accordance to the short summer of its natural habitat, elevated temperatures are tolerated from June to August. Their aquarium should be placed in an unheated room for the winter months.

The sexual differences are unknown.