How to care for Botia fish

          Botia is a genus of freshwater fish in the loach family (Botiidae). It was a large genus with about 20 species. They are a very active and sociable fish, and should be kept in schools of at least five individuals. Since they need to be kept in groups, you'll need a large tank of 30 gallons (110 L) or more. Botia are more susceptible to illnesses than some other fish, so ensure you change their water regularly, feed them a hearty diet, and monitor them for illnesses. 

Species choices 

- Chromobotia macracanthus (Clown Loach)

- Botia almorhae (Yo Yo Loach)

- Botia dario (Queen Loach)

- Botia histrionica (Golden Zebra Loach)

- Botia kubotai (Polka Dot Loach)

- Botia rostrata (Ladder Loach)

- Botia striata (Zebra Loach)

- Yasuhikotakia modesta (Blue Botia)

- Yasuhikotakia morleti (Skunk Loach)

- Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki (Dwarf Chain Loach)

Selecting your fish

When selecting your loaches, you want to be sure to find healthy fish. It is therefore advisable to shop around until you are confident that the dealer is providing well-rested and well-fed fish, The loaches should have been rested after import for several weeks before sale to ensure that no problems arise. Avoid fish that appear lethargic with clamped fins, or fish that are painfully underweight.

Feeding your fish

- Botia like to eat both frozen and dried food. 

- You should feed your botia a variety of foods at first and observe their behavior. Feed them primarily the foods they like the most, but maintain some variety in their diet. 

- Feed your botia three times each day with the lights dimmed or out.

Proper Aquarium

1. The right tank. 

- Ensure your tank has a firmly-closed cover or mesh screen to ensure the fish cannot jump out.

-Your tank should hold at least 30 gallons (110 L).  A tank of this size is appropriate for about five five-inch botia fish. 

2. The right type of water. 

- The water should be clean, well-oxygenated, and low in nitrates. Ensure your tank has a pump to keep oxygen flowing into the tank, and a filter to keep yucky bits out. Include a thermometer in the tank so you can see what temperature the water is, and try to keep it between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (23.5 and 28 degrees Celsius).

3. Change the water regularly.

- Water should be changed at least once a week. 

4. Add substrate. 

- There are several choices for substrate. You could add fine, smooth aquatic gravel, or aquarium sand. Moreover, Aquarium sand is a more natural choice compared to gravel. 

5. Include appropriate decor. 

- You Shoud add natural or artificial aquarium rocks just as you would with any fish, be careful to ensure any rocks you include are not rough or sharp.