Plecostomus Sucker Fish

Approx. 1.5" The Lohachata Botia Loach (Botia lohachata) is also known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Yoyo Loach, Almorha Loach, Pakistani Loach, Reticulated Loach, and Y-Loach. Because only a single juvenile specimen was used to originally describe Botia lohachata, the validity of the species has never been fully resolved.   Grant in 2007 considered it as a distinct species that has definitely been exported for the aquarium trade, but confirmation is still required. Juvenile Lohachata Botia Loaches have a gold to silver metallic sheen that turns a gray to green in adults, without the sheen.  Three unconnected “Y” markings typically occur in adult and juvenile specimens which give rise to one of their common names, the Yoyo Loach. The dorsal fin of the Lohachata Botia loach has 2 to 3 bands; the caudal fin has 3 to 4 bands, the pectoral fins usually have 3 bands, the anal fin has 1 or 2 bands, and the ventral fins usually have 1 to 4 bands that increase with age. The Lohachata Botia Loach can further be identified by the four pairs of barbels that protrude from their mouth and their silvery gold with irregular black striping color. The Lohachata Botia Loach is often believed to be a scaleless fish but they do have very small scales that are embedded in their skin. Like all loaches, the Lohachata Botia Loach is an active scavenger.  They are a semi aggressive species that enjoy the company of their own species.  They generally school with other loaches of the same size and age, and should be housed in groups of 6 or more specimens in an aquarium environment. Lohachata Botia Loaches require an aquarium of at least 30 gallons with a sandy or fine gravel substrate, some plants, some smooth river rock, a few pieces of driftwood or bogwood for them to hide among, and plenty of free swimming space. They like holes in driftwood or caves in the rockwork to hide and sleep. Because Lohachata Botia Loaches are found in shaded jungle streams, they prefer subdued lighting or a few floating plants in their tank to diffuse the lighting and provide cover. All botia loaches are excellent diggers, and because of their delicate barbels, should be provided with a sandy substrate in their tank. These loaches are also excellent jumpers and require a tightly fitting tank cover. Lohachata Botia Loaches do best in well oxygenated water with some degree of current in their tank.  They are intolerant to the accumulation of organic wastes and need spotless water conditions to thrive. For this reason, many tropical fish keeping enthusiasts opt for using a quality canister filter for this species. They should never be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium. Even so, they require regular 25% to 50% weekly water changes. The breeding habits of this particular species have never been recorded, and to date no captive breeding program has yet been initiated. Juvenile Botia Lohachata will eat most prepared foods and should be fed small portions several times a day. Older specimens sometimes become finicky eaters and can be fed tubifex, blackworms, small snails, etc. to augment their diet. Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Semi Aggressive Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Hardy Water Conditions: 72-86° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.5 Max Size: 5″ Color Form: Black, White, Yellow Diet: Omnivore Compatibility: Good community tank fish Origin: Bangladesh, North and Northeast India Family: Cobitidae Lifespan: 8 – 12 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