Bengal Loach

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Scientific Name

Botia dario

Min. Tank Size

70 gallons

Personality

Peaceful/Very Social

Temperature

72-80°F

pH

6.5-7.5/2-10°dGH

Size

6"

Diet

Omnivore

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Best kept with at least 6 of its own species; can be kept with Rasboras, Danios, Catfish and other Loaches.

Bengal Loach

These fish are known for their striped body patterning which consists of a yellow or golden base color ornamented with seven to nine dark bars. Many specimens also exhibit thin, light-colored bars between the darker bars. Bengal Loaches can be distinguished from other loaches by their distinctively curved head shape. These loaches are native to the lower Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers in northern India, Bhutan and Bangladesh. They can typically be found in the rivers themselves as well as the connected tributaries.

Tank Set-Up

Bengal Loaches require a well-structured aquarium decorated with sandy substrate, driftwood roots or branches and subdued lighting. Though they do not require turbid water, Bengal Loaches thrive best in highly oxygenated water with some degree of flow. These fish are not generally aggressive but they may nip at long-finned species and could intimidate smaller fishes with their active behavior. Because they can become withdrawn when kept singly, these fish are best kept with at least six of their own species.

Feeding

These loaches are primarily carnivorous by nature but they do tend to consume some vegetable matter. In the home aquarium, Bengal Loaches should be offered a staple diet of high-quality sinking foods supplemented with live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, Daphnia and Artemia. Fresh fruits and vegetables will help these fish achieve their best coloration.

Breeding

Breeding Bengal Loaches is difficult and there are few reports of successful spawnings in the home aquarium. In most cases, commercial breeding is accomplished with the help of artificial hormones.