Polka Dot LoachBurmese Border Loach, Marble Loach, Cloud BotiaFamily: Cobitidae Botia kubotaiPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Ken ChildsLatest Reader Comment - See More Hi, I just bought my first 10 gallon aquarium tank and I have 1 kissing gourami, 1 blue gourami (who by the way is very terratorial), 1 tri-color shark, and 1 algea... (more) dennis donato The Burmese Border Loach is a more recent "polka dot" beauty that's curious and friendly with its aquarium keeper!Polka Dot Loach Contents The Polka Dot Loach Botia kubotai is a more recent arrival to the hobby. They were first collected in 2002 during an expedition to the Three Pagodas Pass area in Myanmar (Burma) in an effort to find new aquarium fish. Though commonly known as the Polka Dot Loach or Burmese Border Loach, this gorgeous fish has captured the imagination of aquarists everywhere. With its distinctive color and patterning it has earned a variety of descriptive names such as Marble Loach, Polka Dot Botia, Botia "Angelicus", and Angelicus Loach. The Polka Dot Loach will obtain their most beautiful color and patterning as adults, which is dramatically different then when they are juveniles. Their patterning is made up of yellow spotted horizontal black stripes that are interspersed with yellow spotted vertical bars. They have dramatic color changes as they get older with no two fish having exactly the same pattern. The black bars and stripes widen and there is lots of variation in the size and number of spots. These are medium sized loaches that have fast become popular aquarium fish. Once Burmese Border Loaches are secure in their environment they can become quite tame. They can easily learn to be hand-fed which is another wonderful trait that makes them an enjoyable addition to the aquarium. Although a good community fish with similar sized tank mates, they do have a bit of an attitude and may snack on fish under 3/4" long, as well as snails. They enjoy the company of their own species and are best kept in a group of about four, smaller groups will take longer to acclimate. They are from fast-flowing clear streams. Good water movement along with hiding and resting places among rocks and driftwood will be appreciated. They are not as hardy as many fish and need good water conditions. For Information on keeping freshwater fish, see: |
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Care and feeding: Since they are omnivorous, the Polka Dot Loach or Burmese Border Loach will generally eat all kinds of live foods, sinking pelleted and tablet foods, flakes, and algae. They like frozen foods as well. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake or tablet food everyday. Feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen) as a treat. They also like mosquito larvae, tubifex, daphnia, and vegetable foods such as algae wafers. They will also eat snails, so are good for snail control.
This fish will do well in a larger aquarium (ideally 30 gallons or so) with plants and places for retreat such as rocks, caves, and roots. Also use subdued lighting. They do best in soft to medium, slightly acidic water with frequent water changes of about 10% a week. Because they are burrowers, the substrate needs to be a fine gravel or sand that does not have sharp edges. Be sure to provide hardy plants with the roots protected and have decorations firmly placed on the glass bottom so they don't fall over. Plastic tubes also make safe and excellent hiding places.
Distribution: The Polka Dot Loach Botia kubotai is is found in Asia in the Three Pagodas Pass area in Myanmar (Burma). They are found in fast running rivers or streams in their natural habitat.
Size - Weight: These fish get up to about 4" - 5" (10-12cm)
Social Behaviors: A good community fish, they will tolerate other tank mates of a similar size as well as enjoy other members of their own species. It is recommended that they be kept in groups of at least 4, with larger groups acclimating easier than smaller groups. They may snack on fish under 3/4" as well as snails. Good for snail control! Lively and fun to watch.
Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom: These fish are mostly bottom dwellers, but will also swim in the middle of the aquarium.
Acceptable Water Conditions: Hardness: soft to medium, 2 - 9 dH
Ph: 6.8-7.3
Temp: 75-82° F (24-28° C)
Breeding/Reproduction: There are no reports of the Polka Dot Loach or Burmese Border Loach having been bred by hobbyists. They are not yet bred commercially.
Availability: The Polka Dot Loach or Burmese Border Loach is becoming popular and more readily available.
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