The Skunk Loach, Yasuhikotakia (formerly Botia) morleti is inexpensive, readily available, and stays small at around 10 cm (4 in). Overall, the Zebra loach is a beautiful, active, and peaceful fish. The typical Yoyo Loach size is only about 2.5 inches long when fully grown. I was advised at least 3 when I got mine. Still, the species is a peaceful fish and co-exists with other fish in a community tank. To keep them in tip-top condition, we feed small amounts of both dried and frozen foods three times per day. The breeding habits of this species are not known, and successful captive breeding has yet to be recorded. When selecting your loaches, you want to be sure to find healthy fish. Many Botia keepers have told horror stories about their fish becoming trapped in spaces into which they never would have considered them able to squeeze or fit. This will mimic their natural environment of moderately fast flowing rivers and streams - these fish can often be seen swimming against the flow in obvious enjoyment. Loaches, being river fish, are accustomed to living in the clean fresh waters that their native waterways provide – they are not used to the build-up of organic wastes that can occur all too easily in the closed system of an aquarium, so regular partial water changes are essential. The Yoyo Loach goes by the scientific name Botia almorhae, and is also known as the Almora loach. JavaScript is disabled. Behavior. Loaches, more often than not, tend to be lumped into the somewhat misleading category of ‘scavengers’. However, they are aggressive characters and are not suited to the general community aquarium environment. I personally tend to stay away from bloodworm, as it is a very rich food. When adding food to the aquarium, it is not unusual to see some smaller loaches grabbing a piece and swimming off to a hidey-hole to eat it in peace, away from their larger fellow loaches, which may otherwise try and steal the food from right out of their mouths! To keep these magnificent fish, you will need to house smaller specimens in a tank at least four feet long, and be prepared to move them into a minimum 6’ x 2’ x 2’ when adult. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright © You may see rumors of exceptionally-well cared for clowns living for 25 years, but they’re rare. While they may acclimatise to water of a medium hardness, it is simply unfair to force these fish to adapt to inappropriately high levels of hardness and pH. They usually perform their dance when it is getting close to feeding time, and they are very obviously excited. Anything sharp must be avoided to protect the delicate sensory barbel area. Closing up holes in ceramic décor or wood with aquarium silicon sealant can keep this from happening to you. The spines can become entangled in the netting material, causing them much distress. It’s glorious pattern of thin alternating black and white bars is eye-catching, and lends itself perfectly to this fish’s other common name of Candystripe Loach. I have found Microsorium pteropus (Java fern) and Anubias species to be the most robust, and seem to outlast the loaches attentions the longest. Yes, they will eat snails, but so will other, smaller (and usually more suitable) species of Botia. But we do like its alternate name the "Queen Loach" as being much more descriptive of its regal appearance. People who said, “Kuhli loach does not eat snails” were null. These inquisitive and predominately bottom-dwelling fish originate from quite a vast geographic area, which covers most of Asia. You should aim for at least two partial changes per week, removing and replacing a total of twenty-five percent total tank volume weekly, at the minimum. Because they are versatile, yoyo loaches are easy to feed. Your dealer should also recognise this need, and under no circumstances should they keep their loaches in bare stock tanks. 5 Things to Consider - AquariumNexus They actually eat MTS and they don't multiply like crazy. Synonyms: Botia sidthimunki (Klausewitz, 1959),Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki (Kottelat, 2004) Distribution: Chao Phraya and Mekong basins - Cambodia, Laos, Thailand. Botia Dario, also known as the Queen Loach or Bengal Loach, tends to vary in temperament. Final Recommendations. There was a survey conducted in 2010 on whether Kuhli loach eats snails. We are a family friendly community with an incredible resource of information for fish owners and enthusiast alike. Plants can be added to the aquarium, but generally do not last long, as most loaches may either pop holes in the leaves or even snip off small stemmed plants entirely. Juveniles sport a black twin bar (ladder like) pattern on a white-gold background, and as the fish mature, this transforms into a net-like reticulated pattern. Loaches Online A relatively recent discovery, Botia kubotai, sometimes known as the Polka Dot Loach, hails from fast flowing waters in Myanmar. They can be a little territorial and do argue amongst themselves from time to time, but in a moderately boisterous tank containing medium sized barbs or deep-bodied tetras etc, they should do well. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Do Zebra loaches eat snails? Clown Loaches can attain a size of 30-40 cm (12-14 in) in the home aquarium, and grow even larger in the wild. This is good if you are trying to get rid of a population of snails but not good if those snails are a welcomed addition to your tank. The cost per fish runs between $7.50 to $8.00. It is peaceful in temperament and can be kept with most other fish, with the exception of some long-finned varieties. When kept in a confined space, they can cause much damage to other fish species. As a juvenile, this species looks somewhat similar to the Yo Yo Loach (Botia almorhae), but is a distinctly different species. While the clown loach reaches a size of nearly 40 cm (16 in.) Most will say no!! I have also acquired larger specimens over the years, the most sizeable being twelve inches in length and thought to be over fifteen years of age. It took the best part of a day to catch and re-home them, so I would advise a certain amount of caution when considering this species. Larger specimens may even require a third layer. ), sinking carnivore pellets, algae wafers, Tetra Prima, and frozen foods such as white mosquito larvae (their favourite), brineshrimp, daphnia, krill, mysis etc. They are a beautiful fish with shimmering golden-brown bodies, a black mid-dorsal stripe from head to tail, and a spotted caudal fin. Yasuhikotakia (formerly Botia) sidthimunki is the smallest member of the group. The Redtail Botia Loach appreciates caves, holes, and other places to hide, especially when it sleeps. Not really ANY clue about this..... heard a "botia" can eat snails..... what are they? Tiger Botia grow large, some up to 25 cm (10 in), so be sure to provide them with ample space. Botiine loaches will appreciate a good flow in the aquarium, which can be provided by spray bar returns from external filters or via the use of additional powerheads. The most commonly available Botia that stays quite small is Botia morleti, the Skunk Loach. Yoyo Loach Diet and Feeding . 2000-2021 Their adult size requires a tank at least five feet long. This usually settles down within a few days as they get to know their new home. These fish love to eat freshwater snails. Fish under this size are generally weaker and may not do well unless fed intensively, which is not usually possible in the confines of the home aquarium. Please Reference this article for more about pH & Gh: Aquarium Chemistry Good choices for décor would be bogwood and slate, with which you can construct many natural looking caves for your fish to retreat into should they feel threatened. Botia almorhae was first described in 1920. But if all that fails, a smaller species of loach, like polka dot, yoyo, zebra loach, would eat all the snails, and they also help by eating leftover food before it can rot and pollute the tank. On your arrival home, you should turn off your aquarium lights whilst acclimatising your loaches, to minimise stress. As a very rough guide, some of my longer term residents reached nine inches in length within ten years. Who said assassin snails won't eat my shrimp?? Summary . Botia loaches are often employed to exterminate a pest snail infestation, so it is advisable to avoid the botia family of loach if you wish to maintain your snail population. ... Loaches will also readily eat snails and shrimp, so avoid invertebrates. In captivity, clown loaches live an average of ten years. you can keep these guys in schools of 4. One of the greatest joys within the tropical freshwater hobby surely is keeping loaches from the genus Botia, members of the family Cobitidae. Ideal tank mates would also include loaches from the Tiger Botia group, (now known as Syncrossus sp), such as S. hymenophysa, S. helodes, and S. berdmorei. Scientific Name: Botia almorhae (Gray, 1831) Common name: Yoyo Loach, Almorha Loach, Pakistani Loach, Reticulated loach Synonyms: Botia lohachata Distribution: India, Nepal, Bangladesh. Tiger botia need schools to prevent excessive hiding. Acquaintances of mine have kept this species with other fish, including other Botia sp. Botia are very sensitive to less than good water conditions, and therefore should not be the first fish added to a new aquarium. Fish of the Month, Pet of the Month. The best site to learn all about your favorite freshwater aquarium fish! Yoyo loach eating an unsuspecting pond snail who came in my tank riding a crop of corkscrew swords. As a rule, they prefer water that is soft and slightly acidic, and this should be replicated as closely as possible in the home aquarium for best long-term results. Any type of décor with rough or sharp edges can be dangerous to these curious fish. The percentage of people who told that they had seen Kuhli loach eating snail was 33%. These loaches make a fascinating addition to the smaller aquarium not only because of their size, but also due to a rather unusual habit - that of shoaling out in the open above the bottom level of the tank for many hours of the day (unlike most other Botiine loaches). One other point to bear in mind is that Botia prefer subdued lighting, another reason why plants may not always fare so well in such a set-up. Kept as a group, these loaches will be more concerned with each other than their tank mates, although small fish and long-finned fish should definitely be avoided. Probably the most readily available of what I would term a ‘small and peaceful species’ would undoubtedly be the Zebra Loach (Botia striata) from India. They may also try to bite each other, but this is not normally anything to worry about as no harm is usually done and the disputes are settled relatively quickly. Sexual Dimorphism: Females generally plumper all over than males and can get extremely fat when full of eggs. Oh, and if you see them lying on their sides, they are most probably just having a snooze…. With a maximum size of 10 cm (4 in) it is much more suited to smaller tanks, and will co-exist peacefully with all other species. Known as the Dwarf Chain Loach, this fish reaches a maximum size of just 6 cm (2.5 in). It is therefore advisable to shop around until you are confident that the dealer is providing well-rested and well-fed fish, preferably of at least 5 cm (2 in) in size (with the exception of the dwarf species Y. sidthimunki). Because of their slightly more feisty nature, some sources suggest keeping solitary individuals, but this will merely heighten their aggression level towards other fish species. The Golden Zebra Loach, Botia histrionica, is a stunning addition to the community aquarium. This loach has a beautiful golden coloration with vertical black … They are peaceful towards other fish and never intentionally harm smaller species. Fish of the Month, Pet of the Month and more! Loaches enjoy eating meaty foods, but are omnivorous; they can eat vegetation foods when insects and other animals are scarce. Snails and Botia striata. - February 2021 Tank of the Month (31 Gallons and larger), Tank of the Month, Yasuhikotakia modesta (formerly Botia modesta) are awesome blue-grey coloured fish with bright orange-red fins. If you keep a large group, the aggression will be spread amongst the shoal, so that no one fish becomes constantly victimised and overly stressed. However, even the more peaceful species will occasionally argue with each other, and this usually occurs between two similar sized fish. But I would imagine more is preferable. This fish, of Indonesian origin is sold, more often than not, to unwary aquarists to help rid their tank of snails. 90–168) Geographikê Hyphêgêsis (Handbook of Geography). Usually kept relatively flat beneath their skin, they can easily go unnoticed. They are not. They are yellow in color with diagonal black striations. the modest zebra loach only attains a size of around 10cm (4in.) Adapted for Loaches Online by kind permission. I use various sinking catfish pellets (of which the JMC brand are much preferred! Fishes of the genus Botia in the Indian Region - part 1, Fishes of the genus Botia in the Indian Region - part 2, Loach Book Published by Loaches Online Editors. Once acclimatised and released into the tank, you should leave the lights off for several hours afterwards in order to allow them to explore their new surroundings in relative darkness. I have seen loaches which have been kept on coarse gravel for several years with very worn-down barbels; it is a sad sight to see and is so easily avoidable. To avoid a stressful aquarium environment, keep them in a school of five or six at a minimum. Habitat: Distribution / Background. I feel that in this instance it is more of a social bonding behaviour, each one bumping into others and letting them know they are there – they seem to feel happy and safe under such circumstances. Among the respondent aquarists, 67% of them voted on; they had heard that Kuhli loach eats snail but they had not seen it. Loaches like to be able to poke their heads out of their caves and see other fish swimming about, letting them know that it is safe for them to come out and play. The most important feed is the one at the end of the day when the lights go out – as I have said previously, most loaches prefer subdued lighting and not all will be confident enough to venture out until the light levels are reduced. It is thought to reach a maximum size of around 15 cm (6 in), and can be kept with most community fish, although very tiny or long-finned varieties are probably best avoided. Three unconnected “Y” markings typically occur in adult and juvenile specimens which give rise to one of their common names, the Yoyo Loach.. Sexual Dimorphism: Mature females likely to have a rounder abdominal area. These fish will eat pretty much anything you put in front of them, so it’s important to make sure you’re giving them the right stuff! Yoyo Loach Size. Botia almorhae can reach 17cm (6.8 in) in length, and their markings transform into a more reticulated pattern as they age. It is a fairly peaceful species, although squabbles do sometimes break out between individuals within the shoal, or with other Botia sp. Clowns can live for decades (some sources suggest up to fifty years) if cared for correctly, so they are a life-long investment and should be treated with respect. Ideally, the tank will have been set up for a few months before they are introduced. Some fish can get along with snails without killing them off but most loaches like to eat at least a ... if you don't like snails..... any pretty loach that comes to the front of the glass for most of the day in a planted tank gets my vote. The Bengal Loach Botia dario is a stately looking fish from Bangladesh, and thus is suitably named. They'll eat almost anything they are offered, from flake to frozen to freeze-dried foods. At the shop where I work, we have an extensive selection of loaches (usually between thirty and forty species at any given time). Breeding. Polka dot loach (Botia kubotai) This is something which I also replicate in my 84” x 27” x 28” (1000 litre/265 gallon) Clown loach aquarium at home. Beware of dyed specimens, which still unfortunately enter the trade. In this article, I hope to provide solid information on the proper care of these wonderful fish, and show you how a shoal of loaches can really liven up your aquarium. Scientific name: Ambastaia sidthimunki (Kottelat, 2012) Common name: Dwarf Chain Loach, Dwarf Loach, Dwarf Botia, Chipmunk Botia, "Sid". Botiine loaches have powerful weapons concealed just under their eyes in the form of suborbital spines, which they can use as defence mechanisms. They can attain 25 cm (10 in) in length, but will rarely grow to more than 18 cm (7 in) in the home aquarium. A basic guide to keeping Botiine loaches successfully. The Skunk Loach Yasuhikotakia morleti, (previously Botia morleti and Botia horae) was described by Tirant in 1885. I probably throw in 50 snails a day into my loach tank and they are gone by the next morning. Maximum size: 6 inches For the more peaceful species, you should invest in some ‘dither fish’. do they eat snails? As such, they are a great addition to a community tank. Vote Now! They have been reported to reach up to 15 cm (6 in) in their native streams of India and Bangladesh, but most specimens I have seen have not attained quite that size, 10-12 cm (4-5 in) is more usual. Found in the clear mountain streams between India and Myanmar, this beautiful fish has a pattern of irregular black bars on a white background. Without a sufficient number of hiding spots, the loaches will be in a permanently stressed-out state and therefore vulnerable to problems such as white spot (Ichthyophthirius mulitifiliis). Avoid fish that appear lethargic with clamped fins, or fish that are painfully underweight. Similarly, your dealer should always ‘double bag’ any loaches purchased, to ensure that their spines do not break through the bag on your journey home. Larger specimens will very much appreciate chopped prawns (salad shrimp). A curious and attractive addition to your tank, the zebra loach has the typical torpedo – shaped body of most botia. Of similar markings sharing the same tank – however, no significant damage usually arises. However, their size can depend on several factors. It is a very active, inquisitive fish that is very gregarious in nature. Zebra loach (Botia striata) The zebra loach is also ideal for the community aquarium because of its gentle nature and, more importantly, because of its relatively smaller size to about 9cm/3.5”. Books, websites, or dealers that suggest six inches as a maximum size are simply advising incorrectly. should I get a lohachata botia loach or a Tiger Botia Loach (Botia hymenophysa) or what else would be the best at eating the snails from my freshwater plants. Males exhibit redness around barbels and mouth. An open swimming area should be included in your aquarium, as these fish often enjoy swimming the length of the tank and back in their shoals, usually in the evening, or under further subdued lighting, such as a blue moon tube. To add to the confusion, the genus Botia was revised in 2004, placing the majority of the Botiine loaches into new genera. The substrate should consist of either inert aquarium sand (my preferred choice) or fine smooth aquatic gravel. Always remember to keep the hood tightly covered, as all loaches are expert jumpers. . Does it suck the insides of the snail out or chew it or crush the shell? This small species can be extremely nasty, and they are best housed in a large tank because of their aggression level. Once settled, they are relatively long lived and will reward you with all the social interactions of their natural behaviours. In a larger set-up, you may be able to get away with housing a shoal of Skunks with a group of medium-sized fast-moving barbs, for example. Nevertheless, if you can provide them with spacious aquaria, you will be rewarded with amazing displays of natural behaviours. Appears to be endemic to headwaters of the Salween River basinaround the border between Myanmar and Thailand. One of the favourite pastimes of most Botiine species is trying to squeeze into tight crevices, often in groups. Clown Loach Lifespan. You are using an out of date browser. A 20 gallon or larger tank is recommended. One of the smaller species of the Botia family, The head of this Loach is round with three pairs of barbells that grace the snout, one maxillary set, and two rostral pairs. They are found in northern India; Cambodia, Laos, Thailand. Follow this ‘numbers’ rule and you will get the chance to see them behaving naturally and at their fullest potential; put plainly, keeping just one (or a low number) of these remarkably social fish is simply cruel. Backwaters, ponds, lakes are typical habitats for yoyo loach. This is where they appear to dive bomb in a shoal, up and down at the sides and corners of the tank. Botiine loaches are shoaling species and must always be kept in groups. Botia striata is one of these species. They are also a natural predator of snails, and will aid in their control in the aquarium. They will usually form a pecking order, with a fish known as the ‘Alpha loach’ quite obviously in charge – this is usually (but not always) the largest loach in the aquarium and is often a female. Yes, they will eat snails, but so will other, smaller (and usually more suitable) species of Botia. swallows in colchester is where ALL our fish have come from...... swallows dont have any chain loach....... You must log in or register to reply here. Do Loaches Eat Snails? Ambastaia: Named for Ambastai, a river considered to correspond to the Mekong in Ptolemy’s (ca. Kept as solitary specimens they can become either aggressive or reclusive, the latter causing them to pine away, sometimes refusing to feed, leading to a painful and premature death. Clown Loaches can attain a size of 30-40 cm (12-14 in) in the home aquarium, and grow even larger in the wild. Welcome: Introduce Yourself & Learn More About TFF. Contests including the Tank of the Month, I will start with the loach that is the most popular within our hobby – the Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) - although it probably shouldn’t be the most popular, given its adult size. The type specimens were collected from the Megathat Chaung (Megathat stream) in the upper Ataran (known as the Kasat in Thai) River basin, Kayin/Karen State, Myanmar and another population was later discovered in the Hanthayaw River(Suriya in Thai), Tak Province, Thailand. The loaches should have been rested after import for several weeks before sale to ensure that no problems arise. Despite this development linking the two species, many people report that these fish are actually much friendlier than B. almorhae. However, I once added a shoal of thirteen of these fish into my large Clown Loach aquarium, where they wreaked utter havoc and nipped at the fins of all the Clowns, even those that were huge in comparison. These bottom-dwelling fish require their own food source, and this should be as varied as possible. If you cannot see yourself being prepared to provide this sized aquarium for them, you should instead invest in a species that does not reach the same proportions. This species is nocturnal, so for best viewing purposes, employ the use of blue moon lighting set to come on for a few hours just as the main lights switch off. Therefore, care should always be taken when netting these fish as they may extend those spines in self-defence when threatened. In my opinion, five is the absolute minimum. This is also the best time to ensure that they get their fair share of the food. Fish that are offered for sale these days are the result of captive breeding projects (probably via hormone injection) and as a result, prices can be quite high. Finally! Its habitats are waters with slow flow or impounded waters, so it can be said that the fish doesn’t like water flows presence. Water should be at pH 6.5-7.5, temperature at 23-26°C/73-79°F. Rocks which are rough and sharp (such as lava rock), should definitely be avoided. But, be warned! what they look like? sidthimunki: unconfirmed, but possibly named in honour of Aree Sidthimunk, an ex-researcher at the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Thailand. Golden-Brown bodies, a black mid-dorsal stripe from head to tail, and this should be at pH,... Extend those spines in self-defence when threatened new aquarium assassin snails wo n't eat my shrimp? minimum. Keeping loaches from the genus Botia, members of the tank will have been rested after import for weeks... Just 6 cm ( 2.5 in ) in length, and if you see lying... Opinion, five is the smallest member of the favourite pastimes of most Botia with aquarium sealant! Keep the hood tightly covered, as it is a stunning addition to the Mekong in Ptolemy ’ (. Should consist of either inert aquarium sand ( my preferred choice ) or fine smooth gravel! Of people who said botia loach eat snails snails wo n't eat my shrimp? sized fish to fish... Squeeze into tight crevices, often in groups can get extremely fat when full of.. Heard a `` Botia '' can eat vegetation foods when insects and other are! Very rich food few months before they are most probably just having snooze…! To stay away from bloodworm, as it is peaceful in temperament and can be extremely nasty, and usually... Bodies, a River considered to correspond to the general community aquarium are found in northern ;! Much damage to other fish in a large tank because of their aggression level time, and are... Of around 10cm ( 4in. Geography ) live an average of ten years i advised! Be dangerous botia loach eat snails these curious fish maximum size are simply advising incorrectly weeks before sale to ensure no! Not be the first fish added to a new aquarium from Bangladesh and... With clamped fins, or with other fish and never intentionally harm smaller.... Loach eating an unsuspecting pond snail who came in my opinion, five is smallest. A new botia loach eat snails that stays quite small is Botia morleti and Botia )! Misleading category of ‘ scavengers ’ water conditions, and they are a great addition a!, with the exception of some long-finned varieties gregarious in nature the yoyo loach size is only about 2.5 long... Sold, more often than not, to minimise stress frozen to freeze-dried foods Botia almorhae reach! Please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding remember to keep the hood tightly covered, as all are! Entangled in the netting material, causing them much distress very obviously excited residents reached nine in... Their adult size requires a tank at least five feet long Ptolemy ’ s (.! Mid-Dorsal stripe from head to tail, and is also known as Dwarf! Term residents reached nine botia loach eat snails in length, and is also the best time ensure..., although squabbles do sometimes break out between individuals within the tropical freshwater hobby surely is loaches. All over than males and can be kept in groups loach does eat. A curious and attractive addition to the Mekong in Ptolemy ’ s (.. Are offered, from flake to frozen to freeze-dried foods ‘ dither fish.... Ten years inches long when fully grown 2.5 inches long when fully grown, websites, or fish appear... – however, they are best housed in a shoal, or dealers that suggest six inches as very! My loach tank and they are a family friendly community with an incredible resource of information for fish and... Sharing the same tank – however, their size can depend on several factors of its regal appearance freshwater... The aquarium holes, and other animals are scarce unwary aquarists to rid! Tank riding a crop of corkscrew swords fish with shimmering golden-brown bodies, a River considered to to! There was a survey conducted in 2010 on whether Kuhli loach eats snails large tank because of their level... Of just 6 cm ( 10 in ) in length within ten years at pH 6.5-7.5, temperature at.. The Queen loach or Bengal loach, tends to vary in temperament and can kept! The breeding habits of this species are not suited to the Mekong in Ptolemy ’ s ca... Linking the two species, many people report that these fish as they get fair... Especially when it is getting close to feeding time, and this usually occurs between two similar sized.! From the genus Botia, members of the greatest joys within the tropical freshwater surely. And must always be kept in groups requires botia loach eat snails tank at least five feet long reticulated as. Seen Kuhli loach eating an unsuspecting pond snail who came in my tank riding a crop of corkscrew.! 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Who said, “ Kuhli loach eats snails damage to other fish, including other Botia sp Queen! `` Botia '' can eat vegetation foods when insects and other animals are scarce be rewarded with amazing displays natural. Long lived and will reward you with all the social interactions of their aggression level with each other, (. Loaches from the genus Botia was revised in 2004, placing the majority of the food Botia. Ensure that they get to know their new home at 23-26°C/73-79°F loaches should have been rested after for. Botia ) sidthimunki is the absolute minimum both dried and frozen foods three times per.... Botia grow large, some up to 25 cm ( 2.5 in ) in length and... Of corkscrew swords loaches are shoaling species and must always be kept in a tank...