Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: With Caution

General Description: The Lochata Botia, also known as the Yo-Yo Loach or Botia, has a wide distribution in drainages and rivers across India, Nepal and Pakistan. Because of this large natural range, there are many ‘type locality’ populations of Lochata botia that differ slightly in appearance. This results in some noticeable variation of Lochata botias offered for sale. Botias are part of the loach family Botiidae. Identified by their pearly light-brown bodies that have a dark reticulated pattern, the Lochata botia’s ideal environment would be one that is heavily decorated to encourage their inquisitive behavior, in addition to tank mates that are active. Fish with long or decorative fins should be avoided altogether. Like loaches, botias have a natural ability to control nuisance snails in the home aquarium. An adult Lochata botia can reach a size of approximately 6″.

Diet Requirements: Lochata botias are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, tablet foods or sinking pellet foods are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, tubifex worms, brine shrimp and other mixed freshwater preparations. Live blackworms are an appreciated treat. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An extremely established minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small Lochata botia. Size up accordingly to accomodate larger individuals. Lochata botias are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes. Biweekly or weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters ideal (Nitrates < 30 ppm). Deteriorating water parameters will stress Lochata botias, making them more susceptible to health issues or disease, such as Ich. Given the rivers in which they come from, Lochata botias require more turbulent water flow and a well oxygenated environment. The aquarium should be aquascaped with a fine substrate, smooth rocks, driftwood, flower pots or various other furnishes to create caves and hiding places. Lochata botias are to be added “with caution” to live planted aquariums because they have been observed to feed on soft plants. Thicker plants, such as Anubias spp., will likely be left untouched. Lochata botias are not typically suitable for community aquariums given their occasional semi-aggressive nature. Their large size can also intimidate smaller or slower moving fishes. Multiple Lochata botia can be kept together if introduced all at once. Recommended water conditions, 74-84° F, KH 0-12, pH 6.0-7.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/2” to 1-3/4”, Large: 2” to 2-3/4”, XLarge: 3” to 4”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.