Botia Tropical Fish

The Botia fish is a member of the family of Cypriniformes, in which you’ll find 40 species belonging to the genus botia. They are found in a wide range of territory in the region of Asia, including Thailand, India, Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, and some Indonesian Islands. A bottom-dwelling fish, they are not total scavengers, and cannot be supported on leftovers alone. They do eat particles of food that reach them from other fish, but prefer a diet of sinking pellets, flake food, bloodworms, and occasionally some shrimp. Botias are highly individual within their own species, ranging from very peaceful to highly aggressive, and from plain gray coloring, to bright combinations of red, orange, and black.

Skunk Botia – an active and engaging community tank addition, this missile-shaped loach has a light colored body, with a dark stripe running down its back, a dark band around the base of its tail, and some tiger striping to its body. A native of Thailand, it enjoys an aquarium of 30-gallons or larger, with lots of room for chasing and playing, along with some plant life to investigate, and a relatively high temperature of 79-86 degrees F. They are often seen hanging upside down on the glass, while sleeping. Does best in an environment with good water flow, and a diet of sinking pellets, tubifex worms or bloodworms. Lives happily within its own group, or with other loaches. Grows up to 4”.

Lohachata Botia - also known as the Pakistani Loach, it’s a native of that region. Not brilliantly colored, it is nonetheless interestingly patterned, being tan with dark brown marbling. The Lohachata is a quiet and shy fish that will need lots of rock and wood hiding places. A bottom feeder, it appreciates sinking pellets, tubifex worms, and occasional flake food from the rest of the tank. It enjoys an aquarium of 50-gallons or more, in the high 80s, and can be kept in small groups. Compatible with angelfish, gourmis, tetras, danios, and livebearers. Grows to 3” in a tank, and 4” in the wild.

Your Comprehensive Resource on Creating the Best Tropical Fish Tank Possible

The Encyclopedia of Exotic Tropical Fishes for Freshwater Aquariums is an inspiring resource. The book is separated into two sections, with the first part encompassing six chapters of both general and specific fishkeeping information and the second part offering detailed profiles of 1000 freshwater species. All fish enthusiasts will appreciate the down-to-earth writing style and superb images by some of the world’s top photographers. This practical reference also features anatomical drawings, multiple tip boxes, and over 2800 full-color photographs.

Click here to find out more and get your copy.

Save On Your Fish Supplies

Get special savings on premium fish food, filters, aquariums, medications and more at Petco. Click here for savings. Find everything from aquariums & bowls to filters to heaters.