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Black-Lined Loach

Negro Loach Family: Cobitidae

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Yasuhikotakia nigrolineata
Botia nigrolineata Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Ken Childs

  A great all around aquarium fish; the Black-Lined Loach is peaceful, attractive, active and playful!

   The Black-Lined Loach is relatively new to the aquarium hobby, being first described as a separate species in 1987. This loach has two dark stripes, one running along the side from its nose to its tail and another close to the top of its body. Its background color is lighter below the middle stripe and a darker golden tone above.

   Some reports say that chain type markings (darker vertical markings between the two stripes) can show up on this fish when it reaches about 1 3/4" in length, (though some reports say the Black-Lined Loach never has vertical markings). This chain type marking is common on its close relative the Dwarf Loach. Neither of these two loaches have vertical markings once they mature, but the Black-Lined Loach is distinguished by having two horizontal stripes on each side while the Dwarf Loach has only one.

      A once very popular fish, the Dwarf Loach has become critically endangered and is not always readily available. The Black-Lined Loach is very similar in both appearance and behavior, and is much more accessible. A great substitution for the the aquarist.

   The Black-Lined Loach is a very active yet peaceful fish, A small group of these loaches will make an attractive addition to a community aquarium. They enjoy the company of their own species and will do best in a group of five to seven, three is the suggested minimum to keep.

   Black-Lined Loaches are not as shy of light as many Botias and will be active and playful during the day. For a comfortable home provide a soft substrate, some rocks and roots, and some plants. The water should be soft with regular changes. They are easy to care for and will eat any type of food that is provided, especially enjoying live and frozen worms.

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Distribution:
   The Black-Lined Loach is found in northern India, Thailand, and Laos. They are found in muddy slow moving or still waters.

Size - Weight:
   These fish can reach up to 5 inches (15.2 cm).

Social Behaviors:
   They make a good community fish as they don't demonstrate the nipping tendencies of some of their Botia cousins, and they are happiest when kept in a school of their own kind. A group of five to seven is suggested, with a minimum of three. They are also not as timid when it is light and are active and playful during the day.

Sexual Differences:
   Unknown.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   Unlike most of the Botias which are bottom dwellers, this fish tends to swim in the middle of the aquarium

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Hardness: soft, ranging from 1-15 dH
   Ph: 6.5-6.9
   Temp: F (18-24° C)

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Not much is known about the breeding habits of the Black-Lined Loach and they are not yet bred commercially.

Availability:
   The Black-Lined Loach is becoming more readily available to the hobbyist.

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Author: Clarice Brough. CFS.