A relatively recent discovery, Botia kubotai, sometimes known as the Polka Dot Loach, hails from fast flowing waters in Myanmar. It can be kept with most community fish, although very tiny or long-finned varieties are probably best avoided.
It is a fairly peaceful species, although squabbles do sometimes break out between individuals within the shoal, or with other Botia species of similar markings sharing the same tank. However, no significant damage usually arises.
No two fish share exactly the same colour pattern, and these markings change as the fish matures.
Other common names:
Scientific Name:
Botia kubotai
Family: Botiidae
Polka Dot Loach, Botia kubotai
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:
Fast flowing waters in Myanmar
Description:
Mature Size:
The Polka Dot Loach is thought to reach a maximum size of around six inches (15 cm).