Botia......for snails?

[Jo and Gra]

Not really ANY clue about this......

heard a "botia" can eat snails..........


what are they?

what they look like?

do they eat snails?

and can you get smalls varieties?


21 gal, 96 litres.....

 

[SirMinion]

• what are they? ....Loaches! Botia is the family that many loach species belong to.
• what they look like? ....Lots of different shapes, but mostly long and sleek with a downturned nose and brightly coloured patterened skin. Loaches don't have scales.
• do they eat snails? ... Yes, most species love to eat snails.
• and can you get small varieties? ... Yes, some species such as the chain loach stay very small but others like the famous Clown Loach can get over a foot long!

 

[Lateral Line]

The most commonly available Botia that stays quite small is Botia morleti, the Skunk Loach. Unfortunately, although only growing to about 100mm it has a really bad attitude and can be very aggressive.

Botia dario, (Queen Loach), or Botia striata, (Zebra Loach), are fairly common in the shops. These are more peaceful but grow a little larger.

Botia sidthimunki, (Chain Loach), is also a small peaceful loach but is on the endangered species list and not found often in the shops, when it is, it is expensive.

All Botias are social fish and should be kept in groups.

 

[Jo and Gra]

groups of how many?

what are the normal ones to find here in the UK?

small ones?

 

[houndour]

I was advised at least 3 when I got mine. But I would imagine more is preferable.

Botia striata are quite common I think. My 2 fave LFS sell them.

I did a quick google on striata, some sites say they grow to 10cm (4 inches) others 7.8cm (3 inches). I worked out my stocking on 10cm.

But I don't think you could fit 3 botia striata in your tank right now.

They may also not be fish to your liking, they do hide rather a lot. I find mine are out more at certain times of the day, 8pm onwards and first thing in the morning mostly (before lights come on). They are absolutely gorgeous though.

 

[SirMinion]

You're in Essex right?
Swallow Aquatics in Colchester have Chain Loach in stock at somewhere around £8 each.

 

[Jo and Gra]

swallows in colchester is where ALL our fish have come from......

thanks for that!

 

[Jo and Gra]

oh, and do they eat snails?

and would two be ok?

 

[modernhamlet]

oh, and do they eat snails?

and would two be ok?

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Chain loaches are definitely good snail eaters. As they stay very small and aren't big waste producers, you can probably get away with 3-4 in your tank. 3 is a real minimum. 2 won't show nearly as interesting or active behavior. That would be it for stocking though.

Good luck!

 

[SirMinion]

swallows in colchester is where ALL our fish have come from......
thanks for that!

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Great!
I was last at Swallows about a week ago, so hopefully they'll still have some.

 

[Jo and Gra]

swallows dont have any chain loach.......

though they do have "botia histrionica"....... the Gold Zebra Loach..... of which we purchased three!!!!

and already they are eating the little snails.......result!