Tropical Fish: Loach

Orange Finned Loach

Botia Modesta Species

The Orange Finned Loach or also called red-tail botia is a schooling species that does best when kept in small groups (i.e., six or more individuals) in a tank with more active fishes, such as barbs and armored catfish. They become very active at night. As yet, there have been no reported spawnings of this species in the home aquarium.

Like many of the botias, the red-tail botia has switchblade-like eye spines that can cause problems when trying to net them. It is better to capture them in some type of container instead. Also, because they are great escape artists, a tight-fitting cover for the tank is a must. They also emit a "clicking" sound like many of the other loaches.

As with other loaches that come from areas with fine, sandy substrates, these fish should be kept in large aquariums with a sand or fine gravel substrate. They prefer a tank with plenty of hiding places in the form of roots, driftwood, rocks and overturned flowerpots. Any rockwork should be firmly secured to the bottom glass of the tank with silicone sealant, as they have a tendency to burrow in the substrate. Hardy plant varieties, such as Vallisneria and Java fern are best kept in pots for the same reason. Floating plants are excellent for providing the subdued lighting they prefer.

The red-tail botia accepts a wide variety of commercially prepared flake, freeze-dried and pelleted foods and is especially fond of worms of all kinds, including bloodworms and Tubifex worms. They also relish snails and will rapidly wipe out the snail population in an infested tank, leaving only a pile of snail shells behind.

By Al Castro. Source: aquarium fish magazine

Compatibility: Larger Livebearers, Barbs, Danios, Gouramis, Rainbowfish, Loaches, some Cichlids of similar size, Plecos, and Scavenger Catfish.

Loach Care:

Loaches and hillstream loaches generally require a clean well-oxygenated tank, although they are not overly demanding of pH or hardness levels.

Preferred conditions for most species are acidic to neutral or slightly alkaline pH and fairly soft water, although moderate hardness is tolerated after acclimatization. Regular partial water changes are required to keep nitrates low and good filtration is recommended.

It is recommended to use a fine grade or rounded gravel, as loaches in particular like to sift through the substrate for food.

Loaches appreciate caves, holes, and other places to hide. Because they come from streams, They require water currents in the aquarium.

Loach Related Articles:

Kuhli Loach. The real kuhli loach, Acanthophthalmus kuhlii, is a 3˝-inch fish from Indonesia, Sumatra, Java, Malaya and Thailand. It has 15 to 20 dark bars on its flanks that almost circle the body, but stop at the belly.

The Clown Loach is an active schooling fish that is best kept in small groups (three to six fish). It will tolerate tankmates of other species, although docile species may become agitated by the constant activity of this fish.

Breeding Kuhli Loach. The most disturbing aspect of my breeding adventures is that I have absolutely no idea what triggers the spawning activity. I know that it is possible to stimulate spawning with pituitary hormones, but I don't use them.