Pakistani Loach

Botia lohachata displays a highly variable blotched and reticulated pattern of dark olive-brown on pale yellow-green, making each specimen unique. It is an efficient and enthusiastic snail predator, capable of tracking down and consuming even partially buried gastropods. Kept in groups, it engages in playful chasing behaviour that is entirely social rather than aggressive.

Water: 24-28°C, pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard. Tank: Minimum 100 L, smooth substrate, plenty of caves and roots. Feeding: Sinking wafers, pellets, frozen worms, snails, vegetable matter. Behaviour: Sociable and inquisitive; clicks audibly when excited or alarmed. Compatibility: Good community fish; avoid housing with very slow or delicate species.