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Red-Finned Loach, Leconte's LoachSilver Loach, Red-tailed Blue Loach, Gold Fin Loach Family: Cobitidae
Botia lecontei Photo � Animal-World: Courtesy Ken Childs The Red-Finned or Leconte's Loach is a social, lively, and peaceful addition to a community aquarium!Though the coloring of the Red-Finned or Leconte's Loach can vary, it is generally brown to yellowish or light blue to light green-blue. It is also darker on top and lighter on the belly. The fins cam 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. Often times mistaken for its close relative the Redtail Botia Botia modesta, the Red-Finned Loach is very similar to it in body shape and coloration. The most distinguishing feature that defines the Red-Finned 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. Though a nocturnal fish, meaning it is active in the evening and during the night, the Red-Finned Loach is peaceful and suitable to keep in a community environment with other peaceful fish. They are rather shy however, and will acclimate to the aquarium best if they have the company of their own species. It is recommended that they be kept in a group of five to eight, with three being the minimum. The Red-Finned 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 more Information on keeping this fish see:
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| Geographic Distribution Yasuhikotakia lecontei |
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| Point data provided by FishBase.org |
Care and feeding:
Since they are carnivorous,
the Red-Finned 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.
Distribution:
The Red-Finned Loaches or Leconte's Loaches are found in Southeast Asia; east Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. They are found in fast moving waters of medium to large rivers.
Size - Weight:
These fish reach up to about 6" (15 cm) in the aquarium.
In the wild these fish can get up to 10" (25 cm).
Social Behaviors:
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.
Sexual Differences:
Unknown.
Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
These fish are mostly bottom dwellers, but will occasionally
swim in the middle of the aquarium.
Acceptable Water Conditions:
Hardness: fairly soft to 8° dH
Ph: 6.0 - 6.5
Temp: 75 - 82° F (24 - 28° C)
Breeding/Reproduction:
The Red-Finned Loach or Leconte's Loach have not yet been
bred in the aquarium and they are not yet bred commercially.
Availability:
The Red-Finned Loach or Leconte's Loach is readily available.
Comments from people who have kept this fish:
Author: Clarice Brough. CFS.
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