These shoaling fishes of fast-moving water need a well-filtered aquarium with high oxygen levels
Overview
Synonyms
None
Distribution
Ataran River, Myanmar (Burma).
Maximum Size
13cm (5.1")
Temperature
24-28°C
Water Parameters
Long-term, soft and slightly acidic water is best. pH: <7.5, dH: up to 12 degrees.
Compatibility
Community with no long-finned fish
Lighting
Low
Sexual Dimorphism
Mature females likely to have a rounder abdominal area.
Feeding
Catfish pellets, granules, flake and frozen foods
Description
Care
Polka Dot Loaches can be fairly boisterous and are best housed in communities of fast-swimming robust small/medium sized fishes. They are not recommended for housing with any long-finned species. As with all other species of Botia, these are a very social species and must be kept in shoals of 5 or more for their continued well being. The aquarium should be mature and at least 3ft in length - longer tanks would be preferable due to their active nature. A soft sandy substrate should be provided in order to protect the delicate sensory barbel area and lighting should be subdued. These loaches are likely to venture out more if numerous hiding places are provided for their safety, and these should take the form of caves, bogwood pieces, and aquatic plants. The water should be clean and well-oxygenated, and water changes of 10-15% should be carried out twice weekly. No two fish have exactly the same markings, and these change dramatically as the fish ages.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets, micropellets, algae wafers, cucumber, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, brineshrimp, daphnia etc. Will eat snails.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish or invertebrates?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
