Bengal Loach

[cheskadill]

I bought 2 bengal loaches 4 months ago and they have been fine until a few days ago. The largest one started digging in the gravel and has just about dug to the bottom of the tank. Up until tonight, it would attack the other loach if it came near but was not bothered by other fish swimming past. It kept lying on it's side in the hole but now the other one has joined it. Has anyone any ideas what they are doing or are they sick and hiding ? ?

 

[WILDER]

I know some loaches do bury themselves, how big is the tank in gallons or litres, plus water stats in ammonia,nitrite,nitrate,and ph, plus what other fish do you keep with them.
I would ask a mod to move this thread for you to the correct part of the forum, there names are in blue at the bottom of the forum.

 

[cheskadill]

The tank is about 36 gallon (60x15x18). I dont do water stats my self but my local fish stockist does it for free. Nitrite was slighly up 10 days ago but is fine now after water change etc ph about 7. Have tetras, angels, gourami and danios in the tank with them and apart from gouramis being a bit hyperactive at times, all's peaceful. Where on the site should I have put this question, finding it V confusing!!!

 

[The-Wolf]

it is natural for B.dario to dig in substrate, they are looking for food.
read the following article about them
http/www.loaches.com/species_pages/botia_dario.html

 

[cheskadill]

thank you for that info, much appreciated. Both loaches rut about in the grave but this is a hole about 2"across and the gravel is like a fortress piled around it. It's right at the front corner of the tank and the gravel was about 1.5" deep before excavations started. Do you think they may want something to hide in? I have a densley planted tank but no stones/ornaments etc so do you think that may be the problem?