Burmese Border Loach (Botia histrionica) Care Guide

Botia histrionica is a patterned loach from Myanmar and adjacent regions, a peaceful active schooler for medium to large tanks.

Overview

The Burmese Border Loach (Botia histrionica) is a patterned botiid loach. Juveniles show several solid dark body bars, while in adults the pattern varies by geographic form, with bars either remaining solid or breaking into spotted, network-like markings. It is a peaceful but active and gregarious species that forms social hierarchies and produces audible clicking sounds.

Taxonomy

• Family: Botiidae
• Genus: Botia
• Scientific name: Botia histrionica

Habitat

The species is found in Myanmar (Ayeyarwady, Sittaung, Salween and Ataran drainages), Yunnan in China and the Indian state of Manipur. It inhabits slow-flowing sections of forest-shaded, well-oxygenated headwaters with clear water, a mixed sand and rock substrate and submerged driftwood.

Tank requirements

• Minimum tank volume: 200 L
• Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• GH: 5-12 °dGH
• Group size: 5 or more individuals (10+ preferred)
• Lifespan: 8-12 years

Diet

It is primarily carnivorous. The species accepts quality dried foods plus live and frozen bloodworm, Tubifex and Artemia, with fresh vegetables such as cucumber, melon and spinach. It also preys on aquatic snails and small invertebrates.

Compatibility

Not especially aggressive, though active enough to intimidate smaller fish and to nip the fins of slow-moving species. It should be kept in a group of at least five or six, preferably ten or more, since single fish may become withdrawn or aggressive. It suits robust, active community species.