Blue Botia

Yasuhikotakia modesta

Also known as: Blue Loach, Grey Botia, Redfin Botia, Orange Finned Loach

A slate blue loach with orange fins that is bold, noisy, and an excellent snail hunter.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

75–86°F

pH

6–7.5

Hardness

5–12 dGH

Max size

8 in

Min tank

75 gal

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Social

Groups (5+)

Swim level

Bottom

Diet

Omnivore

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

10-20 years

Breeding

Egg-scatterer

Suitability

Intermediate

Origin

Mekong basin (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam)

Keep five or more in a large tank with caves and soft substrate, since single fish or pairs bully tankmates. They grow to about 8 inches and click when feeding. Avoid slow or long-finned fish and expect all snails to disappear.