Bengal Loach care guide

Bengal Loach (Botia dario) — minimum tank 120 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5.

Overview

The Bengal Loach (Botia dario), also called the Queen Loach, is a medium-sized botiid from the Brahmaputra and Ganges drainages. Its body shows alternating dark and pale vertical bars on a yellowish background.

Taxonomy

Family: Botiidae
Genus: Botia
Scientific name: Botia dario
Common synonyms: Queen Loach, Necktie Loach

Habitat

Native to swift, clear streams and rivers of north-eastern India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, often in habitats with rocky substrates and submerged wood.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 120 L (31.7 US gal)
Adult size: 10-15 cm
Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
pH: 6-7.5
GH: 3-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Lifespan: 5-8 years
School size: ≥5 individuals

Diet

An omnivore. Offer sinking pellets, granules and a variety of small live or frozen foods. The species also consumes snails.

Compatibility

A semi-aggressive social loach that should be kept in groups of at least five. Compatible with active mid-water cyprinids and similarly robust loaches. Avoid pairing with very small or timid fish.

Breeding

Captive breeding is rare and most commercial stock is hormone-induced in Asian hatcheries.