Single Polka Dot Loach

[Hamsnacks]

Hello,


I recently took in a Single Polka Dot Loach that someone had in their 10 Gallon tank with a Cory.

He's currently in my 120 Gallon and seems to be doing just great, active and exploring, lots of plants and driftwood and no issues with the rest of the fish (Mostly Tetras, Corys and other bottom dwellers). Issue is I know these guys like to school with at least 4/5, no sellers in the city currently have them and don't know if I'll be able to get any.


I did however find a owner who has 5 Yo Yo Loaches and said he's willing to take him in, however they are about full grown while my guy is about 2-3 inches.


In regards to what would be best for him, what do you guys think, solo in my tank or with his "cousins"?


Thanks

 

[Byron]

The Polka Dot Loach I will assume is Botia kubotai. The Yo Yo is probably Botia almorhae though the taxonomy of this species is involved, with some authorities considering it to be a grouping of five distinct but very closely related species. But the two are in the same genus, so thus very closely related. And it would definitely be better if they were together.

I have had a group of Botia kubotai for six or seven years now, five of them, and I cannot even imagine the stress one of these would endure on its own. Their interaction is regular and considerable, which is not surprising as the Botia loaches are some of the most social freshwater fish.

Many do not appreciate what these fish endure when kept singly, or as two or even three. Believe me, it is profound, and highly stressful. In time this will become so bad the loach may turn aggressive to any other fish, or simply die. Finding him a good home with cousins is the way to go.

 

[Hamsnacks]

Yeah I kinda assumed the cousin route was the better option but figured I'd ask to make sure in case maybe Loaches of different sizes and species didn't do well together.

I do wish Fish sellers and Stores pushed the importance of having schools more though. I remember my first couple tanks, I did not care about numbers at all or I was told 2 was enough. It's only now when you experience the difference in activity and behavior when they are alone versus in a school you understand how crucial it is. At the end of the day it's your own fault for not doing your homework and not realizing fish are not simple organisms that can simply live in a bowl of water.
But proper education from sellers is so crucial and necessary to new members who are relying on "experts" for their advise.

Thanks again for the help Byron!

 

[Byron]

As you have mentioned the compatibility issue, I will mention that according to reliable sources, these two species should get along fine. Some of the Botia species are much more territorial and combative, combining them is not possible, but that doesn't apply to either of these.

Many of us on this forum regularly advise others to not take any advice from fish store staff as reliable without first confirming it with knowledgeable aquarists. I was lucky when I started in this hobby back in the 1980's to have a good local store owned and staffed by hobbyists, and they were not afraid of using reference books themselves. A friend of mine suggested that staff in fish stores should have to undertake some training; a good idea but not one likely to catch on, so it is up to each of us to research first before acquisition.