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Silver LoachLeConte's Loach, Yellow-finned Loach, Red-Finned LoachFamily: Cobitidae Yasuhikotakia leconteiPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Ken ChildsLatest Reader Comment - See More I just wanted to say red-finned loachs are shy indeed and that you will need to watch your tank size! bob poopface The Silver Loach is a lively shoaling fish, yet peaceful with its tank mates in a community tank!Silver Loach Contents The Silver Loach Yasuhikotakia lecontei is an attractive Botia that can have a multitude of color variations. Its body color can range from a brownish yellow to a blue, or a light blue/green. Its fins and tail can vary too, with some having pale yellow fins to others that are an orangish red. The appearance of the The Silver Loach is described by almost all of its common names. These include Yellow-finned Loach, Red-Finned Loach, Gold Fin Loach, Red-tailed Blue Loach, Red tailed loach, and sometimes other variations of these. The only non-color related common name is LeConte's Loach, which is derived from its scientific description. The common name Red-finned Loach was actually ascribed to this species, but has also often been used for its close relative the Redtail Botia Yasuhikotakia modesta with a similar appearance. These two fish are often mixed up, so this common name is now being used much less often for either of these species. The Silver Loach is often times mistaken for the Redtail Botia Y. modesta because they are very similar in body shape and coloration. However the Silver Loach is a little slimmer, so not as heavily built, and it also doesn't get quite as large. The LeConte's Loach Y. lecontei will reach up to about 6 inches (15 cm) in the aquarium rather than the 8 to 10 inches of the Y. modesta. But perhaps the most distinguishing feature that defines the Silver Loach is the dark spot at the base of the tail when it is an adult. The Redtail Botia differs by having a dark vertical (and often indistinct) stripe, but never a spot. The Silver Loaches are known to be a bit shyer than many other Yasuhikotakia species. Like their relatives they too are nocturnal fish, meaning they are active in the evening and during the night. However they are peaceful and suitable to keep in a community environment with other peaceful fish. Because they are rather shy however, they will acclimate to the aquarium best if they have the company of their own species. It is recommended they be kept in a group of five to eight, with three being the minimum. They do have a social hierarchy, with a dominant fish leading the pack. They may still squabble among themselves, but less so than other Botias. The Silver Loach is a durable fish, but it does need soft acidic, slightly warmer water, and must have frequent water changes. The substrate needs to be a fine gravel or sand that does not have sharp edges. Provide lots of hiding and resting places in caves, rocks, and roots. They like a well planted tank but they are diggers and may uproot them. For Information on keeping freshwater fish, see: |
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Since they are omnivorous, the Silver Loach or Leconte's Loach does best with live foods such as insect larvae, worms, and crustaceans. This can be supplemented with other various frozen or dry proteins and pellets. Some good choices are mosquito larvae and brine shrimp (available as either live or frozen), tubifex, earthworm, and daphnia.
This fish needs a larger aquarium (45-55 gallons) with places for retreat such as rocks, caves, and roots. Also use subdued lighting. They do best in a fairly soft, slightly acidic water and must have 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. Plants are appreciated but 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.
The Silver Loach Yasuhikotakia lecontei, (previously Botia lecontei) is found in Southeast Asia; east Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. They are found in fast moving waters of medium to large rivers. Other common names they are known by are LeConte's Loach, Yellow-finned Loach, Red-Finned Loach, Gold Fin Loach, Red-tailed Blue Loach, and Red tailed loach.
The coloring of the Silver Loach can be quite variable, it can be brown to yellowish or light blue to light green-blue. It is also darker on top and lighter on the belly. The fins can be a pale yellow to an orange red and there is a large dark spot at the base of the caudal fin. Juveniles have narrow dark vertical stripes and can be an iridescent green color, but the stripes will disappear as they mature.
These fish reach up to about 6" (15 cm) in the aquarium. In the wild these fish can get up to 10" (25 cm).
Though they are a peaceful fish they are timid and nocturnal, getting quite active at night. They do well in a community aquarium with other non-aggressive fish. They do best if kept in a group of of five to eight (minimum of three) to feel comfortable and come out of hiding. Once acclimated they are quite active and lively.
Unknown.
Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
These fish are mostly bottom dwellers, but will occasionally swim in the middle of the aquarium.
Hardness: fairly soft to 8° dH
Ph: 6.0 - 6.5
Temp: 75 - 82° F (24 - 28° C)
The Silver Loach or Leconte's Loach have not yet been bred in the aquarium and they are not yet bred commercially.
The Silver Loach or Leconte's Loach is readily available.
- Animal-World References: Freshwater Fish and Plants
- Dr. Rüdiger Riehl and Hans A. Baensch, Aquarium Atlas Vol. 1, Publisher Hans A. Baensch, 1991
- Dr. Rüdiger Riehl and Hans A. Baensch, Aquarium Atlas Vol. 2, Publisher Hans A. Baensch, 1993
- Martin Thoene, Yasuhikotakia lecontei, Loaches Online, 2009
- Yasuhikotakia lecontei (Fowler, 1937) Silver loach, Fishbase.org
- Bratz Walker, Sharks and Loaches, T.F.H. Publications, Inc., 1974
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