Think Fish - The Tropical Fish Keeping Resource

Fish Database: Chain Loach - Botia Sidthimunki

Aquarium requirements

Aquarium suitability: 5/5
Sociability rating: 9/10
Area of tank: Bottom, but shoals will swim in midwater and amongst decor
Aquarium water conditions: 6-8.5, vs,s,m,h
Temperature: 25 - 28C
Feeding: Omnivorous; feed a good variety of foods including both live or frozen and dried foods. Feed sinking foods
Minimum tank size: 60cm
Min / Max number in tank: Min 3

Fish fact file

Family: Cobitidae (Loaches)
Synonyms: botia sidthimunkii
Other common names: Dwarf Loach, Dwarf Chain Loach, Chained Loach, Dwarf Botia, Ladderback Loack, Pygmy Loach, Skunk Loach
Origin: Asia: Northern India and Thailand
Natural habitat: Flooded regions, muddy rivers, lakes, and pools. Usually found in standing water
Size: 5cm
Behavior: Peaceful, active, and shoaling
Breeding: Unknown
Natural water conditions: pH 6-8, soft to hard
Sexing: Unknown

Fish code No.2110

Recently Viewed fish: Chain Loach

This fish is the smallest of the loaches and well suited to peaceful community aquariums. The fish are active during the day and prefer to be in shoals where they will swim and interact with each other. Although a scavenger, confident shoals or individuals will swim in midwater and even learn to take food from the waters surface. An aquarium for these fish should have plenty of vegetation across the substrate and smooth, rounded, or small grade substrates to avoid damage to the fishes barbels. The fish will adapt to a wide variety of water conditions and is a good aquarium fish.

Fish Database Search

Select a species group to see a list of species with pictures and sizes:

Search by fish code: Enter the fish code, then click search.
Search by common name:
Search by scientific name: