{"product_id":"beaufortia-pingi-species-profile","title":"Beaufortia pingi — Species Profile","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBeaufortia pingi — Species Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e← Back to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/eiraaquatics.com\/collections\/loach\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"1140\" data-start=\"1121\"\u003eLoach\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (genus overview)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeaufortia pingi is a refined and understated native loach from the mountain streams of southwestern China.\u003cbr\u003eA soft band of emerald green crosses the mid-body, framed by dark vertical markings at the head and tail, while tiger-like stripes seal its silhouette at the caudal peduncle.\u003cbr\u003eOften mistaken for the “Green Zebra Loach,” the true Bing’s Hillstream Loach is defined by a unique pattern: \u003cstrong\u003edark above, dark below, and a single band of green across the center\u003c\/strong\u003e — a living piece of stream camouflage resting quietly on stone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eI. Basic Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/strong\u003e: Bing’s \u003cstrong\u003eHillstream Loach\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChinese Name\u003c\/strong\u003e: 秉氏爬岩鳅\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cem\u003eBeaufortia pingi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily\u003c\/strong\u003e: Balitoridae\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenus\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cem\u003eBeaufortia\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative Range\u003c\/strong\u003e: Mountain streams along the Yunnan–Guangxi border, China\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Length\u003c\/strong\u003e: 6–7 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan\u003c\/strong\u003e: 4–5 years under proper care\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConservation Status\u003c\/strong\u003e: Chinese endemic species; generally protected under fisheries regulations due to strict water quality requirements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eII. Natural Habitat\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForest-shaded mountain brooks and hillside streams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubstrate of smooth bedrock, slate, and rounded stones, free of silt\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater temperature: 16–24°C (short-term summer tolerance up to 26°C)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrystal-clear water with consistently high dissolved oxygen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epH 6.5–7.2; soft to moderately soft water\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e👉 This species is a strict indicator of clean, oxygen-rich stream ecosystems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIII. Morphology and Identification\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pectoral and pelvic fins are modified into powerful suction discs, allowing the fish to anchor firmly to rock surfaces in flowing water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey diagnostic pattern features:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBase coloration grey-white to pale yellow-brown\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBody covered with vertical black bands\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA wide emerald to blue-green zone across the mid-body\u003c\/strong\u003e, extending over one-third of total length\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis green band interrupts the black striping pattern at the center of the body\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHead and anterior region retain broken black vertical bars\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDorsal and ventral margins continue black striping above and below the green zone\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTail region shows 4–6 bold, continuous black vertical bars\u003c\/strong\u003e, the most stable identifying feature\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFin characteristics (critical identification point):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePectoral, pelvic, and caudal fins edged with \u003cstrong\u003epure white translucent margins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo blue or blue-white gradient present\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe white edging provides high contrast against dark stone backgrounds\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll black markings are solid pigment bands; pale regions represent the true ground color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDistinction from the “Green Zebra” Hillstream Loach\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTrait\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cem\u003eBeaufortia pingi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e“Green Zebra” type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBase color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrey-white \/ pale brown\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUniform green or blue-green\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStripe color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhite\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStripe continuity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterrupted at mid-body\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eContinuous throughout\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBody pattern\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCentral green band divides pattern\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo interruption\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVisual impression\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrey base + black bands + one green band\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGreen base + white stripes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIV. Temperament and Behavior\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrictly benthic and stone-attached lifestyle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMostly inactive during bright daylight; activity increases at dawn and dusk\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrimary feeding by grazing algae and biofilm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompletely non-aggressive; suitable for group keeping\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocomotion by fin-assisted crawling and short tail hops\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e💡 An excellent biological indicator of water quality and ecological stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eV. Care Difficulty and Suitable Keepers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level\u003c\/strong\u003e: ★★★☆☆ (Moderately demanding)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest suited for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAquarists experienced with hillstream or cold-water systems\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeepers able to maintain temperatures below 28°C long term\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSetups providing strong oxygenation and clean substrates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot recommended for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginners\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarm-climate tanks without temperature control\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary causes of failure:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChronic high temperature\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic accumulation in substrate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInsufficient flow or oxygen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInappropriate high-protein feeding\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Success formula:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature ≤28°C + High oxygen + Pre-algae-conditioned stones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVI. Aquarium Care Guidelines\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e1. Tank Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSingle or pair: 40 cm tank minimum\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall group (3–5): 60 cm or larger preferred\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePriority on bottom area and stone surface rather than depth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e2. Water Parameters\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eParameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommended Range\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16–28°C (long-term safe maximum)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5–7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–8 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDissolved Oxygen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026gt; 6 mg\/L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGentle to moderate, no stagnant zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e3. Tank Setup\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate\u003c\/strong\u003e: Fine river sand (1–2 mm), 2–3 cm depth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardscape\u003c\/strong\u003e: Extensive smooth rocks and slate, pre-conditioned with algae\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e: Moderate intensity, 6–8 hours daily\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlow\u003c\/strong\u003e: Directional outlets toward bottom to form slow circulation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e💡 Algae-covered stones = permanent natural feeding stations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVII. Diet and Feeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary diet\u003c\/strong\u003e: Natural biofilm and algae\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupplementary foods:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSinking spirulina wafers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpirulina paste\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlanched spinach (pesticide-free)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBloodworms and tubifex\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh-protein carnivorous feeds\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFloating pellets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding frequency\u003c\/strong\u003e: Small amounts every other day\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVIII. Tankmate Principles\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBing’s Hillstream Loach is a peaceful benthic species with no territorial aggression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompatibility principles:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimilar temperature and water requirements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo competition for rock surfaces\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNon-aggressive behavior\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e👉 In properly designed hillstream aquaria, it can be combined freely with most gentle stream species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIX. Conservation and Ethics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNarrow-range endemic species of southwestern China\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtremely sensitive to pollution and oxygen depletion\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListed as generally protected under Chinese fisheries law\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose responsibly sourced individuals and avoid wild-caught specimens.\u003cbr\u003eField observation should follow the principle: \u003cem\u003eobserve, photograph, and leave undisturbed\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eX. Summary\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beauty of \u003cem\u003eBeaufortia pingi\u003c\/em\u003e lies in ordered contrast:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrey stone-toned body traced with ink-black bands,\u003cbr\u003eA single emerald ribbon across the flank,\u003cbr\u003eAnd a tiger-striped tail sealing its signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt does not dazzle. It endures.\u003cbr\u003eAnchored to stone, grazing quietly,\u003cbr\u003ePreserving the rhythm of a mountain stream\u003cbr\u003eWithin the glass walls of an aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eira Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46329899647165,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/7181\/5869\/files\/ezgif-frame-015_51865bdb-27ab-4521-873a-27a745b4d173.png?v=1769835909","url":"https:\/\/eiraaquatics.com\/products\/beaufortia-pingi-species-profile","provider":"Eira Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}