Page 183 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

LOACHES 181

Chromobotia macracanthus Botia striata Yasuhikotakia modesta
Clown Loach Zebra Loach Redtail Loach

ORIGINS Southeast Asia, where it occurs in various parts ORIGINS Asia, restricted to muddy waters in parts of ORIGINS Asia, including northeast India, Vietnam,
of Indonesia, including Sumatra, and on Borneo. southern India. Thailand, and the Malay Peninsula.
SIZE 12 in (30 cm). SIZE 4 in (10 cm). SIZE 9 ⁄2 in (24 cm).
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DIET Prepared foods and live foods. DIET Prepared foods of all types. DIET Prepared foods and live foods.
WATER Temperature 75–86°F (24–30°C); soft (50 mg/l) WATER Temperature 75–86°F (24–30°C); soft (50 mg/l) WATER Temperature 75–86°F (24–30°C); soft (50 mg/l)
and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5). and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5). and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5).
TEMPERAMENT Usually active and lively. TEMPERAMENT Nonaggressive. TEMPERAMENT Shy.
The patterning of the Zebra Loach consists of All the fins
alternating pale yellow and brownish vertical have an
Dark dorsal fin stripes, with the paler bands especially being orange hue
variable in width. These loaches should be kept
in groups. They will often choose to hide away for Sensory
barbels
long periods under bogwood and in other retreats. around the
In common with other Botia loaches, breeding is mouth
Males may have unknown in aquarium surroundings. Feeding
larger tails is very straightforward, with small worms being
a favorite food of these loaches. Although the body coloration of
Broad bands of orange and black on the body this species sometimes appears to be
of the Clown Loach allow this species to be bluish-gray, in optimum water conditions
identified without difficulty. Clown Loaches it will change to a much brighter shade of blue,
thrive in groups, although large specimens will making a striking contrast with the orange on the
occasionally prey on much smaller companions. fins. These loaches are adapted to group living, but
Clown Loaches have a disconcerting habit of they may be less well disposed toward similar
floating on their sides. This is not usually a sign species sharing their tank. Nocturnal by nature,
of their imminent demise— it is simply the position they will hide away during the day, often under
in which these fish sometimes choose to rest. the substrate, and emerge to feed at night.

Ambastaia sidthimunki
DESIGNED FOR BURROWING
Dwarf Loach This small species has dark horizontal and vertical
bands on its upper body that interconnect to create The wormlike shape that characterizes many
ORIGINS Asia, occurring in muddy lakes from northern a distinctive chainlike pattern. Dwarf Loaches are loaches makes them efficient burrowers. They
India to northern Thailand. lively and active fish that look best when kept are able to wriggle their slender bodies down
SIZE 2 ⁄4 in (5.5 cm). together in a group, and make an ideal choice for a into the substrate with surprising speed.
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DIET Flake and small live foods. community setup. Cryptocoryne plants are a good Numerous species rely on this technique to
WATER Temperature 75–86°F (24–30°C); soft (50 mg/l) addition to their aquarium, since the fish like to escape from danger, rather than trying to
and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5). rest on their broad leaves. Dwarf Loaches will swim away to safety. The mottled patterning
TEMPERAMENT Peaceful. comb the tank floor in search of edible items. of burrowing loaches helps to conceal their
presence as they lie partially buried in
sediment on the bottoms of rivers and streams.
The eyes of loaches are typically located high
on the head. This is another adaptation to a
burrowing lifestyle, since it enables them to
survey the water above while remaining
hidden from view themselves.

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