Eye Spot Loach (Acanthocobitis botia)

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Eye Spot Loach

Acanthocobitis botia.jpg
Eye Spot Loach

Acanthocobitis botia

95 Litres (25 US G.)

9-11 cm (3.5-4.3")

sg

Freshwater

pH

7.0 - 7.2

24 -26 °C (75.2-78.8°F)

15-25 °d

1:2 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods
Other (See article)

5-8 years

Family

Nemacheilidae



Additional names

Mottled Loach, Zipper Loach, Spot Loach, Sand Loach, Striped Loach

Additional scientific names

Noemacheilus botia, Nemacheilus botia, Cobitis botia, Nemacheilus botia botia, Botia nebulosa, Nemachilus botius, Nemachilus botia, Nemachilus mackenziei


Origin

Found throughout Asia from India and Pakistan to Thailand and has also been found in Yunnan in China.


Sexing

Mature females are broader in the belly than males.


Tank compatibility

A peaceful bottom dweller that appreciates company of its own kind, keep with other peaceful community fish who are not bothered by a strong current which this fish requires.


Diet

Will accept most foods including sinking pellets and flake and adores bloodworm and daphnia.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics

In the wild these fish are found in fast flowing streams, will appreciate rock work and bogwood to hide under. Needs a well aerated tank with a good current. Prefers a soft substrate of either small gravel or sand to sift through.


Behaviour

An active fish that spends most of its time on the substrate. It will sift through the substrate, filtering through their gills, looking for microscopic food.


Identification

Can be mistaken for Botia striata, except for this fish has a distinctive eye-spot on the caudal peduncle.

Pictures

External links