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Loaches
/ Botiinae / Orange-finned Loach
Orange-finned Loach
Botia modesta | Pictures
Synonyms: None
Physical description: A laterally compressed fish with an arched back and flat belly profile.
The
caudal fin is forked and the caudal penuncle is short and wide.
The body color is gray-blue to bright blue and
the belly is whitish.
The fins are orange-yellow and there is an indistinct dark marking on the caudal penuncle.
Size/Length: To 9" (23 cm)
Similar species: Sun Loach ( B.
eos), Red-finned Loach (
B. lecontei), Red-finned Loach (
B. rubipinnis
)
Habitat: Inhabits still and slow moving waters in India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia
S: bottom
Aquarium: A tank measuring 28" (71 cm) with a capacity of 20-25 gallons (76-95 L) is sufficient
for fish up to 4" (10 cm) in length.
Larger fish require a 40" (101 cm) or 45-55 gallon (170-209 L) tank.
A refuge
for each fish is important.
Follow suggestions for
B. macracanthus regarding tank set-up.
Water chemistry: pH 6-7.5 (6.6), 1-8 dH (4), 77-84°F (25-29°C)
Social behavior: A shy, nocturnal species that is most active when kept in a school.
The Orange-finned Loach is a highly
territorial fish that will aggressively defend its territory against intruders.
Only combine with large, robust species.
Suggested companions: Cichlasomines ,
Barbus schwanenfeldi, Chitala ornata, Anostomus, Astronotus, Colossoma, Metynnis, Serrasalmus, Leporinus, Scleropages.
FOOD: Live; worms, insect larvae, crustaceans, small fish; tablets; algae; plant matter
SEX: The male is smaller and more slender than the female when mature.
Breeding techniques: Unsuccessful
Breeding potential: 10.
Breeding has yet to be accomplished in an aquarium.
Remarks: This species requires frequent partial water changes in order for its stunning color
to develop.
This species emits audible clicking sounds.
Difficulty of care: 5.
This aggressive species is a good addition to a community tank having large, robust species.
This
fish requires live foods.
Recent articles about fish
Overfishing may hurt Amazon forest trees
(2/5/2008) Overfishing is reducing the effectiveness of seed dispersal by fish in the Brazilian Pantanal, reports Nature. The research suggests that fishing practices can affect forest health.
Scientists find fish that literally lives in trees
(10/17/2007) Scientists have found a fish that literally lives in trees, according to research published in The American Naturalist and highlighted in New Scientist Magazine.
Piranhas originated when Amazon was flooded by seawater
(12/4/2007) South America's piranha family of fish -- notorious as eaters of flesh -- can be traced back to a single ancestor which dispersed when the Amazon was flooded by seawater some five million years ago, report researchers from the Institut de Recherche Pour le Developpement (IRD). Today piranhas are exclusively freshwater fish found from the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela to the Parana in Argentina.
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