Leptobotia elongata in the UK!

[Emma Turner]

Hi all,

We took delivery of a shipment of Leptobotia elongata this evening. They are absolutely amazing beasties! These haven't been seen in the UK for some years now, so it was a really special day for us. Here are some pics of the loaches acclimatising, more (better) pics coming soon!





These are the ones that came home with us:







When I went to take the ruler out of the box, the loaches all swam up to my hand and were most inquisitive. There was no fear there at all, reminded us of the way koi interact with people!



Hope you enjoyed the pics, more coming soon,
Emma

[Jim Powers]

Very cool!!
Do you plan on setting up a special thank for them?
Can't wait for more pics!

[Graeme Robson]

We certainly do Jim. At the moment they have a 4ft tank to grow a little in.

[Vancmann]

I so want one of these

[EmilyMarie85]

Those are awesome!

[andyroo]

Emma,
Aren't these highly endangered?
Are they from a breeder?
Will they be/are they for sale, and if so are you setting up some sort of private/hobby-oriented breeding programme or club?

I work in conservation (restoration) and consider the pets industry to be the last great hope for many hyper-endangered species, as private collectors have more time and resources and specific experience for husbandry & breeding than many (if not most) public or academic facilities, particularly in the apathetic or under-resourced countries that these critters occur in... like Jamaica or China.

Very curious.
Andrew

[Emma Turner]

Hi Andyroo,

Leptobotia elongata is a species of special concern, because the larger specimens (over 25cm+/10") have become scarce, due mainly to overfishing (for food). The large adults have declined some estimated 80% in the last decade because of this. The fishermen who trawl their native habitats aren't particularly looking for L. elongata, rather they are a bi-catch, but sadly are sold for market anyway. It is a shame that no-one is monitoring the fishing and putting some sort of restriction on it in light of the decline, as these large adults are likely to be the mature breeding population. Rarely are any sizeable specimens offered for the aquarium trade, even the smaller specimens are only sporadically exported. Damming activity has also blocked access to many of the known breeding areas, pollution has affected other sites.

This is the first time in over 15 years that I have seen this species available for export. Our shop received just 10 specimens, at between 12-15cm each. Six of them have come home with Graeme and I, and we are keeping them in a species-only tank at present. All were exported legally (there is no ban on export of the species from China) and were allowed into the UK after checking with DEFRA/CEFAS that we would be allowed to do so.

The fish we received are wild caught, but there are hormone-breeding programmes in place at at least one Chinese fish farm. Hopefully aquarists and aquaculture can come to the rescue of these beautiful fish.

Emma

[Emma Turner]

A couple of pics:

[andyroo]

Next time you bring them over keep me posted- I'll see what it'll take to get a couple shipped south. Temperatures sound perfect for a hilltop house.

[Jim Powers]

That's a great looking fish!! I like the G. viriosus in the background, too!

[EmilyMarie85]

Off topic, but I really like that substrate you have them on. Might I ask what it is?

[Vancmann]

These fish are so georgeous! They sure look relaxed and content for being freshly imported wild caught specimens

[FAILED]

When these beasties get bigger what size tank is going to be their next home? Btw lovely fish!!

[Marcos Mataratzis]

Nice fishes Emma!

Never seen them in Brazil.

[Graeme Robson]

Thanks all! They are doing fantastic!!