The Bengal Loach can be a little territorial and they do argue amongst themselves from time to time, but in a moderately boisterous tank containing medium sized barbs or deep-bodied tetras etc, they should do well.
Other common names: Queen Loach
Scientific Name: Botia dario
Family: Botiidae
Bengal Loach, Botia dario
Botiidae is a mainly Southeast Asian family of cypriniform ray-finned fishes. Recently placed in the true loach family Cobitidae, in 2012 M. Kottelat revised the loaches and re-elevated this taxon to family rank.
Botiids typically have a more or less arched back, with a pointed snout of intermediate length.
Botiidae often encountered in the aquarium trade include:
- Clown loach, Chromobotia macracanthus
- Skunk loach, Yasuhikotakia morleti
- Yoyo loach, Botia almorhae
- Zebra loach, Botia striata
- Bengal loach, Botia dario
- Burmese border loach, Botia dario
- Polka Dot Loach, Botia kubotai
- Golden Zebra Loach, Botia histrionica
- Ladder Loach, Botia rostrata
- Blue Botia, Yasuhikotakia modesta
- Dwarf Chain Loach, Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki
Natural Habitat:
Description:
Mature Size:
Bengal Loaches have been reported to reach up to six inches (15 cm) in their native streams of India and Bangladesh, but in captivity most specimens reach four to five inches (10-12cm).