What the armored catfish (Corydoras & Co.) are in a South American tank, the clown loaches (Botia & Co.) are in an Asian tank: interesting, beautiful and lively bottom fish. However, much more species knowledge is required for Botia than for armored catfish to avoid unpleasant surprises. Some species, such as the popular true clown loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) grow to 20-30 cm, while others, such as some tiger loaches (Syncrossus), can develop into real tyrants in the community aquarium.
The skunk loach (Yasuhikotakia morleti) has been one of the most popular loaches since 1953, as it remains manageably small (usually 6-8 cm, very rarely allegedly up to 10 cm, although this information was probably due to confusion with other species) and is very peaceful. However, the caveat here is that these fish are very social and individual animals often become behaviorally conspicuous. You should therefore always buy 5 or more specimens. The skunk loach has undergone several name changes. Until 1974 it was known as Botia horae (sometimes written as B. horai). It was then realized that B. horae was a younger name – and therefore invalid – for Botia morleti. It was then transferred to the genus Yasuhikotakia in 2002. If you look up this fish in the aquarium literature, you will have to look it up under several names.
The home of Y. morleti is the huge rivers Mae Klong, Chao Phraya and Mekong in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia). The species is considered to be very common. It is undemanding in terms of water composition, but frequent partial water changes are the top priority for these fish, otherwise they will suffer. There are no definite external differences between the sexes, the females are merely somewhat larger and fuller. Targeted breeding in the aquarium is not practiced. In the wild, botias carry out spawning migrations. The species for which there is great aquarium demand are therefore bred in breeding facilities in the same way as food fish (trout and salmon). Such techniques are not used in hobby aquariums. Basically, loaches can be characterized as free spawners without brood care. They will eat any common ornamental fish food. What else you should know: all Botia love to eat snails. And in order to feel safe, all Botia need caves into which they can retreat when disturbed.
For our customers: the animals have code 404502 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
