Redtail Botia
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
One of the larger aquarium loaches that does best when kept in groups. JJPhoto.dk
[edit] Overview
This is one of the more heavy-bodied loaches, a substantial and lovely fish with a bluish gray body. Its fins come in a variety of colors, including red, orange and yellow.They are highly territorial and may make clicking sounds during feeding and periods of in-fighting.
Family: Cobitidae
Other common name(s):
- Blue Botia
- Red-Finned Loach
Native range:
Habitat: Although they will become quite large, initially they can be kept in a smaller, 20-gal. (76 L) aquarium with excellent filtration. They prefer subdued lighting and are active diggers that will require a fine-grade or smooth gravel substrate in which to “grub.” Somewhat rowdy, so provide plenty of hiding places for other fish to escape them.
Maximum length: 20 cm (8 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 152 L (40 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (295 K, 72 °F) - 26 °C (299 K, 79 °F)
General swimming level: Bottom.
[edit] Feeding
Redtail Botia are greedy eaters that will accept a wide variety of good-quality flake foods, sinking pellets, algae wafers and frozen foods, such as bloodworms and mysid shrimp.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Because of their rowdy temperaments, these fishes should be kept with similar fish, such as barbs. To best see their playful antics, keep a group of at least three. Like the Clown and other loaches, these fishes also have a distinct hierarchy, with a definite “boss fish.”
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Not reported in the aquarium.
[edit] Notes
They possess cheek spines that may become entangled in nets.
| Common name | Redtail Botia +, Blue Botia +, and Red-Finned Loach + |
| Family | Cobitidae + |
| Genus | Yasuhikotakia + |
| Image credit | JJ + |
| Maximum length | 8 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 40 gal + |
| Native range | Southeast Asia + |
| Reference | 101 Best Tropical Fishes + |
| Specific name | modesta + |
| Swimming level | Bottom. + |
| Text credit | KW + |
| Water max temp | 299 K (26 °C, 79 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 295 K (22 °C, 72 °F) + |
| Water type | Freshwater + |