Fin's Fish Guide
The Hong Kong pleco (Beaufortia leveretti) is a freshwater fish of the family Balitoridae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
The Hong Kong pleco is a remarkably flat hillstream loach from fast-flowing mountain streams of southern China and Vietnam. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a strongly flattened body with large, horizontally spread pectoral and pelvic fins that together form a sucker with which it clings to stones in rapids. With its inferior mouth it rasps aufwuchs, algae and diatoms from rocks. The fish is harmless to humans and appears in the aquarium hobby. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Hong Kong pleco?
The Hong Kong pleco has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Flattened body with sucker-shaped fins; clings on in rapids
Where does the Hong Kong pleco live?
The Hong Kong pleco lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern China and Vietnam
How big does the Hong Kong pleco get?
The Hong Kong pleco grows to a maximum of about 12 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Hong Kong pleco dangerous to humans?
No, the Hong Kong pleco is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Hong Kong pleco edible?
The Hong Kong pleco is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Balitoridae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Hong Kong pleco is one of 12,519 species in the app.