Botia Spec. Loaches

Botias are the fish that are most commonly referred to as loaches. There are many kinds just in this genus, and still most are not often kept in aquariums. All Botias are from Asia, many from streams or rivers. Most have the same basic body shape, as well as many of the same behaviors. They range from very peaceful to aggressive and temperamental, and can vary in size from 2 inches to 14 inches.

Click images for species information
Photo courtesy of Dave Guest	Photo courtesy of Dave Guest
Botia dario	Botia histronica
Photo courtesy of Mia Woodman	Photo courtesy of Mia Woodman
Botia macracantha	Botia nigrolineata
Photo courtesy of Dave Guest	Photo courtesy of Dave Guest
Botia rostrata	Botia sidthimunki
Photo courtesy of Mia Woodman	Photo courtest of M. Woodman
Botia almorhae	Botia morleti

Botias range from very rare to extremely common, and very peaceful to very aggressive. A study in these opposites would be the Skunk Loach (Botia morleti), and the Dwarf Loach (Botia sidthimunki). Skunk loaches are so common that many adult sized ones cost less then 10 dollars, whereas small dwarf loaches can cost over 20, and to boot are hard to differentiate from a more common larger species, Botia nigrolineata.

Clown loaches are another very popular botia. They can get very large, and are a bit more expensive than your standard aquairum fish. They like living in groups, which of course adds to their cost. They get to be 12-14 inches long, and spend most of their time playing. They can be quite sensitive of changes, very likely getting ick when moved or first purchased. Aside from that they are a very popular but frustrating addition to a community fish tank.

All botia have a spine just under their eyes, which they can use like a switchblade. They can rip through nets, and puncture shipping bags with their weapons. They can also inflict damage on tankmates, and owners.

The best trick Botias are known for is snail eating. Many, skunks, queens, zebras, and yo-yos in particular are very good at cleaning out a pond or ramshorn snail epidemic. They also kill malaysian trumpet snails rather easily. Clowns are also good snail eaters, but as said before can get too large for most tanks.

Botias mainly come from moving water, pH between 6.5-7.5, with hardness between soft and med hard. Most are very adaptable fish. Most like living in groups, and can live with other botias. It is normally best to keep the more aggressive botias with each other and the more peaceful with each other, rather than trying to keep aggressives with moderately peaceful.

Some examples of Botia Species Loaches

• Yo-Yo Loach
• Queen Loach, Bengal Loach
• Gold Zebra Loach
• Clown Loach
• Blue Botia, Orange-Finned Loach
• Skunk Loach
• Botia Nigro, Black Line loach
• Ladder Loach
• Chained Loach, Dwarf Loach
  
• Zebra Loach

Feeding:

• Frozen Bloodworms
• Frozen Brineshrimp
• Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms
• Tetramin Tablets
• Tetramin Granules
• Standard Flake Foods
• Romaine Lettuce
• Zuchinni

References:

• Loaches Online
• Sandford, Gina. The Tropical Freshwater Aquarium Problem Solver. 1998.

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