Hairy Puffer

Approx. 2.5" The body of the Dario Botia Loach is tan and black in color, and like other Botia loaches can be identified by their four pairs of barbels protruding from the mouth area. The entire body and fins of this Loach is barred with alternating stripes of both tan and black, which gives the fish its unique look. The Dario Botia Loach is an active, semi-aggressive, social, bottom dwelling scavenger that enjoys the company of its own species and other semi-aggressive fish. Like some other Loaches, they frequently school with others of their own species, size, and age and in the aquarium should be kept in groups of 4 to 8 fish. Dario Botia Loaches are inquisitive and seem to enjoy exploring their surroundings.  They are shy of bright light, prefer low light conditions and love to hide in caves, holes in banks, plants,driftwood, nooks, and tight crannies, especially when they sleep. They are reclusive during the day and become most active towards dusk. In the aquarium, be sure to provide Dario Botias with plenty of cover in the form of rocks, wood, flower pots and aquarium ornaments.  Natural style arrangements should include a substrate of sand or fine gravel, plenty of smooth water worn rocks, smooth pebbles, and driftwoodroots or branches. Dario Botia Loaches will squeeze themselves into any tiny gaps or crevices they can find, so items with sharp edges should not be placed in the tank. Any gaps or holes that are small enough for the fish to become trapped in should be filled in with aquarium silicone sealant. Because they are jumpers, a tight fitting cover is a must for these loaches. Dario Botia Loaches come from streams and require currents in the aquarium.  They are intolerant to accumulations of organic wastes and need spotlessly clean water to thrive.  A good filtering system and a small power head will achieve the desired well oxygenated water and moderate current conditions they require. Since Dario Botias are subject to low light conditions in their native habitat, lighting in the aquarium should be relatively subdued.  Plants like Microsorum pteropus (Java fern), Taxiphyllum barbieri (‘Java’ moss) or Anubias spp. that grow well in low light conditions, will benefit the fish, and when attached to driftwood or other tank furniture will provide additional shade for the fish.   Dario Botia Loaches will easily adapt to and should only be introduced to stable, biologically mature aquariums.  Weekly water changes of 30-50% tank volume should be considered routine maintenance. The Dario Botia Loach is a grazer and requires small amounts of food several times a day. Young Dario Botia Loaches will eat most high quality commercially prepared foods but older fish may be more finicky.   Feed them a varied diet of freeze dried bloodworms, brine shrimp and a quality flake or pellet food.  They relish snails and will feast on them with gusto. Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Semi-aggressive Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy Water Conditions: 72-86° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.5 Max Size: 6″ Color Form: Black, Tan Diet: Omnivore Compatibility: Social with peaceful, open water dwelling cyprinids Origin: India, Bangladesh Family: Cobitidae Lifespan: 5-8 years Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Approx. 1.5" - 2" The Zebra Loach has its entire body and fins barred with alternating tan and dark brown, to near black stripes. This gives the fish a unique appearance which is prized by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts. Like other loaches it has four pairs of barbels protruding from its mouth. Females can be distinguished by their rounder abdomens. Although the Zebra Botia Loach is sometimes thought to be a scaleless fish, they do posess very small scales. Zebra Loaches are active, peaceful, semi aggressive shoaling scavengers that enjoy the company of their own species. Like other loaches that originate from tropical streams, they like to school with others of their own age, size and species. They should be kept in small shoals of 6 or more fish a community aquarium. Zebra Loaches need a fine sandy substrate in their tank which should be densely planted and aquascaped with plenty of smooth rock caves, holes, bogwood (or driftwood) and other hiding places. Their aquarium should be provided with soft, well filtered, slightly acidic, highly oxygenated water, and a moderate current to mimic their natural environment. Zebra Botia Loaches should be fed small portions of food several times during the day. They will accept most brands of sinking catfish pellets and flake foods but they should also be given a variety of frozen and freeze dried foods to supplement their diets. Brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, bloodworms and some fresh vegetable matter like a slice of cucumber will keep them healthy and active. Zebra Loaches will quickly rid your aquarium of unwanted snails that creep into your tank. Because of their small size, unique markings and peaceful disposition; Zebra Botia Loaches or Candystripe Loaches make a perfect choice for most community tank settings. Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful, Semi aggressive Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy Water Conditions: 72-86° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.0 Maximum size: 4 inches Color Form: Tan Diet: Omnivore Compatibility: Excellent community tank fish Origin: India, Indonesia Family: Cobitidae Life span: 8 – 15 years Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate