The Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobster (Procambarus clarkii) is one of the more dazzling ornamental crayfish that tropical fish
keeping enthusiasts often keep in their aquariums.

Selective breeding gives this Procambarus Clarkii its brilliant blue color which does not fade (except when stressed) as the “lobster” grows.   In fact, as the Cobalt Blue Lobster grows larger, its light blue color in younger specimens changes to a magnificent brilliant blue color which intensifies as it matures.

Although wild specimens can reach appreciably larger sizes; the selective breeding that produces the brilliant blue coloration also limits the adult size of the specimen.   Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobsters typically reach only about 5 inches in an aquarium environment.

The Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobster is often brown or a light drab blue color if it has been shipped.   This is due to stress incurred during shipping however, in a few days the bright blue color returns as the crustacean regains its composure and takes up residence in the tank.

Since it only attains a length of about 5 inches when fully grown, the Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobster can be housed in an aquarium of at least 20 gallons.  They need a medium to fine sand or gravel substrate for burrowing, and should have plenty of river rock, plants, and driftwood in their tank for cover.

Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobsters are territorial towards their own kind and need plenty of room if more than one is kept in the same tank. A good rule of thumb is to provide each “lobster” with at least 20 gallons of tank space.

These lobsters are omnivorous scavengers and will usually not bother fish unless they are ailing, slow or very small.  Occasionally they will pick on Plecos but for the most part they are fine in a peaceful community tank with mid level swimming fish.

The Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobster is easy to feed. As a scavenger it will eat almost anything that settles on the bottom of the tank. Supplement their diet with a quality sinking pellet, flake food, chopped worms, or algae wafers.

The Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobster can be pricey and is usually available for sale when they reach 2″ to 3″ in length.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 68-85° F, KH 3-10, pH 6.5-8.0
Max. Size: 5″
Color Form: Cobalt Blue
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Farm Raised in the USA
Family: Cambaridae
Livespan: 5 – 6 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

The Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) is a peaceful South American species that is native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. It has a pale to silvery gray body with a black spotted pattern throughout and extremely long barbels.

Pictus Catfish have sharp serrated venomous spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins that always seem to get caught in nets when transferring fish from tank to tank.

Pictus Catfish are nocturnal bottom scavengers and active swimmers. There are two forms known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts.  The large spotted form, and a small spotted form. The large spotted form does not grow as large as the small spotted form and is the form commonly seen in the aquarium trade.

The Pictus Catfish can be housed with almost any larger soft water species and is one of the more peaceful fish that adds beauty to a community tank.

It should be noted that Pictus Catfish consider small Neon or Cardinal tetras fair game if they can fit them into their mouths.  Care should be always be taken when adding smaller fish into the aquarium.

Pictus Catfish prefer a dimly lit, heavily planted tank with plenty of rocks, caves and driftwood for them to hide in and around.  They need at least a 70 gallon tank to freely swim around in and keep them happy.

Pimelodus Pictus are egg layers but they are extremely difficult to breed in and aquarium environment.

Feeding Pictus Catfish is not difficult.  They eat left over foods that accumulate on the bottom of the tank and will eat a variety of frozen or freeze dried foods.  Sinking catfish pellets, shrimp pellets, small live foods, tubifex, vegetables and chopped hearts are all eagerly accepted.

Although Pictus Catfish grow to 5″ in length, they are usually available for sale when they are 2″ to 3″ long.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 75-81° F, pH 7.0-7.5
Max. Size: 5″- 8″
Color Form: Black, White
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: South America
Family: Pimelodidae
Live Span: 6 – 8 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Begin

The Female Betta (Betta splendens) like their male counterpart, is undoubtedly one of our most popular freshwater tropical fish species. Because Betta splendens are easy to care for, they are a favorite of both beginning and advanced tropical fish keeping enthusiasts.

Although Female Bettas are less brightly colored in the various shades and vibrant hues that adorn the males, they resemble the wild Short Fin variety. 

Like the males, female Bettas are hardy little fish and despite their frail looking delicate beauty can live many years when kept in ideal water conditions.

The Betta splendens is often referred to as the “Siamese Fighting Fish” because of the males combative personality towards other males however, the smaller, shorter finned females of the species can usually be housed together with other female Bettas without any serious disputes.

Although Bettas are often sold in small bowls or plastic containers, the ideal environment for keeping them healthy is a well filtered aquarium of at least one gallon that holds a steady temperature of between 75° and 86°F.   Since they prefer to have  a variety of hiding places in their tank, it should be aquascaped with freshwater plants and driftwood, rocks, etc.

Female Bettas are easily bred in the home aquarium. Place the male and female together in a small tank until breeding commences.  The male “blows” a bubble nest on the surface under a floating leaf or plant.  When eggs are laid by the female they are placed inside the bubble nest by the male until they hatch out (usually in 24 hours).  The fry should be fed infusoria until they are able to eat powdered flakes or newly hatched brine shrimp.

Bettas require a carnivore diet of quality flake food, baby brine shrimp, frozen or freeze dried bloodworms, tubifex or mosquito larvae.

Female Bettas are considered ready for sale when they are 1″ or 2″ in length.

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 1 gallon
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 75-86° F, KH 0-25, pH 6.0-8.0
Max. Size: 3″
Color Form: Assorted, Blue, Red
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Excellent in peaceful community tanks
Origin: Farm Raised – Thailand
Family: Belontiidae
Life Span: 8 Years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

The Tiger Botia Loach (Syncrossus hymenophysa) is also commonly called the Green Tiger Loach, Banded Loach, Green Tiger Botia, Tiger Botia or Zebra Loach and is highly prized by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts for their beauty, rarity, and scavenging ability.

The Tiger Botia Loach is found in the Musi River basin, South Sumatra province, Sumatra, Indonesia, the Malaysian state of Sarawak, and the Indonesian province West Kalimantan, on Borneo. It has also been reported in the Pahang and Perak river system in Malaysia and in Java.

It has an elongated body with a conical pointed head.  Its mouth faces downward and like other Botias has three pairs of barbels protruding from its mouth area.  It has a forked erectile spine below its eye that is about as long as the diameter of the eye. The upper part of its body is brownish or yellowish brown, and the underparts are pale yellow. Its grayish yellow or gray-green flank is marked with 11 or more dark brown to black transverse bars (stripes), which are positioned slightly obliquely and give the fish its “Tiger” appearance. The bars are separated by narrow pale areas that do not reach the belly. Its fins are yellowish or greenish, and there are thin dark bands on its dorsal and caudal fins.

The Tiger Botia Loach grows quite large (10″ in length), is semi aggressive, but enjoys the company of others of its own size, age, and species.  It is a shoaling fish that should be kept in groups of 5 or more in a tank of at least 55 gallon capacity.

Tiger Botia Loaches are active carnivorous scavengers but they are shy and need caves, holes, bogwood roots and other places to hide, especially when sleeping.  They are active burrowers and need a sand or very fine gravel substrate in their aquarium which should be densely planted (with potted plants) and heavily aquascaped with smooth river rock and driftwood.

In their natural habitat, Tiger Loaches are found in small, upland, headwater streams to main river channels and lakes.  They are tolerant of water parameters but require soft clean water with a moderate current.  A 25-30% monthly water change should be considered routine maintenance for this species.

In addition to being natural predators of snails, Tiger Botia Loaches will voraciously eat insect larvae, small or chopped worms, frozen or freeze dried bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, ghost shrimp and flake or carnivore pellets.  They are grazers and should be fed small portions several times a day.

The breeding habits of this species is still not known, and successful captive breeding have not been recorded.

Tiger Botias are usually  1-3/4″ to 2-1/2″ long when offered for sale.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-86° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.0, dH: <12 degrees.
Max Size: 10″
Color Form: Black, Green, Tan, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Not suitable for peaceful community tanks
Origin: Asia
Family: Cobitidae
Life Span: 7 Years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

L46, L173, L236 Hypancistrus Juveniles Grow Out Tank

 

The Zebra Plecostomus (Hypancistrus zebra) a.k.a. Imperial Pleco, or Zebrawels is a species of armored catfish endemic to Brazil where it occurs in the Big Bend area of the Xingu River;  a tributary of the Amazon.

Many tropical fish keeping enthusiasts regard the hard to find Zebra Plecostomus as the “most beautiful” of all Loricarids.   The Zebra Pleco is a dwarf species of suckermouth catfish that reaches a maximum size of only 3-1/2 inches.  Its name is derived from the striking black and white striped color pattern on its body and fins that resemble the markings of a Zebra. Mature males have a larger head and longer interopercular spines than the females.

In terms of the L-numbering system, the Zebra Plecostomus (Hypancistrus zebra) can be purchased as L-46, L-98, or L-173.

Because construction of the Belo Monte Dam in the Xingu river has impeded the flow of water in their distribution range, the Brazilian government has listed them as being endangered and has banned the export of Zebra Plecos.

Consequently, only captive bred specimans are now available for sale to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts and all are extremely expensive and rarely available for purchase.

The Zebra Plecostomus is a nocturnal, predatory species that feeds on small inverterbrates such as midge and mosquito larvae.

They do best in a well oxygenated tank with moderately fast water flow, soft, slightly acidic water, and subdued lighting.  They prefer warmer water, ideally between 77 and 86 degrees F., a densley planted, sandy bottom tank with plenty of caves, rockwork and driftwood to hide in.  Unlike some other algae eating Loricards they do not chew or eat bogwood however, they do eat organisms that grow on the wood.

Zebra Plecos are an extremely shy and moderately territorial bottom dwelling species that usually hide during daylight hours and make their rounds in the aquarium during the evening. They must have an oxygen rich environment and warm water to thrive, but they can tolerate a wider range of temperature and water conditions, especially to induce spawning.

The water conditions for breeding Zebra Plecos varies, but a temperature of 84 – 89 degrees, a pH of 6.3 – 5.85 and soft well filtered and oxygenated water is generally all that is required to start.  To get them to spawn, you need to make them believe that there has been a rainy season.   Drop the water temperature to 85.7°,  the pH and water hardness slightly and increase the water movement by performing frequent water changes.   Zebra Plecos are not sexually mature until they are about four years old which is why many tropical fish keeping enthusiasts initial fail.

Zebra Plecos breed in caves where the females will lay from 7  to 15 eggs in the back of the cave.  The male will evict the female from the cave then guard and tend to the eggs which (if fertile) will hatch in 3 – 7 days.  Frequently the first clutch of eggs will be infertile, almost like a “dry run” but subsequent spawnings should be productive.

In 3 – 4 days the fry will start to develop fins, a sucker mouth, and their Zebra like color pigmentation. They will retain their egg sacks for up to 10 days during which time they should not be fed. The male will care for the fry until the egg sacks are fully absorbed. The fry can then either be either removed to a well aerated breeding tank, or left with the parents.

Feed the fry baby brine shrimp, finely crushed dried food, or crushed frozen bloodworms until they accept larger portions.   The young will reach 1″ in length in about 1 1/2 months.  In a single species aquarium, Zebra Plecos normally take fine care of their young.

Adult Zebra Plecos should be fed meaty foods as well as a high quality flake food, sinking carnivore pellets, frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, daphnia, chopped mussels, and sinking carnivore wafers.  These fish DO NOT eat algae.

When they become available for purchase by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts,  Zebra Plecos demand a premium price  and are usually only 1″ – 1 1/2″ long.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 82-89° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.4-6.8
Lighting: Low, subdued
Max. Size: 3½”
Color Form: Black
Diet: Primarily Carnivorous
Origin: rio Xingu, Brazil; Captive-Bred
Family: Loricariidae
Life Span: 15+ years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

The Horseface Loach (Acantopsis choirorhynchus) of Southeast Asia is found in the rivers, streams and backwaters of Singapore Malaysia, Borneo, Burma (Myanmar), Java, Sumatra, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The head and nose of the Horseface Loach is elongated and “horse like” in appearance and like many other loaches, it has a thin, elongated body that is well suited for burrowing into sandy substrates.

Coloration of these fish varies from gold, tan to silver with many irregular black markings over their bodies. They are peaceful scavengers and well suited for medium to large sized community aquariums.

The Horseface Loach from Malaysia is similar to the Longnose Loach (Acantopsis octoactinotos), from which it can be distinguished by it’s down turned (horse like) nose.  The Horseface Loach buries itself in the bottom substrate; the Longnose Loach does not.  The Horseface Loach is fast moving and much less aggressive than the Longnose Loach which regularly feeds on juvenile fish.

The Horseface Loach is a shy, peaceful, primarily nocturnal fish that likes to hide in plant roots, driftwood, rocks and caves during the day.  They like to bury themselves when threatened and MUST be provided with a deep base of sand or fine gravel substrate in the aquarium.

Water worn rocks, driftwood branches and tree roots should be arranged to form plenty of hiding places and shaded areas for these fish.  Because of their burrowing activities, the driftwood in the tank should be planted with Java Fern and Java Moss to provide them shade.

Horseface Loaches need a high proportion of dissolved oxygen and moderate moderate water movement.  This means the implementation of a good power filter, at least one additional power head and an airstone or two.

Like most other loaches that inhabit running streams, the Horseface Loach is intolerant to buildups of organic pollution and needs clean water to thrive.  This means regular weekly 30-50% water changes.

The Horseface Loach has not yet been bred in an aquarium environment.

Tropical fish keeping enthusiasts will find that feeding the Horseface Loach is easy.   They are largely carnivorous and prefer freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex,  frozen and live foods of all types. They can also be conditioned to accept high quality carnivore flake foods and shrimp pellets.

Horseface Loaches are usually 2″ to 3″ long when available for purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 79.0 to 84.0°F, 1 – 10dGH, pH 6.0-8.0
Maximum Size: 8″
Color Form: Black, Tan, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Active top and mid water fish
Origin: Southeast Asia
Family: Cobitidae
Lifespan:10 – 12 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

The Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) is also known as the Weather Loach, Oriental weatherfish, Chinese Weatherfish and Pond Loach. These remarkable fish are called Weather Loaches or Weatherfish because of their habit of becoming extremely active when there is a change in the weather, possiblly due to barometric pressure changes.

Dojo Loaches are bottom dwelling scavengers that are found in the Lakes, Rivers, Ponds and rice paddies of China, Korea, and Japan where they are now pond raised for the aquarium trade.

The Dojo Loach has poor eyesight, a smooth elongated body that is absent or covered with reduced scales, and a mouth that is surrounded by barbels that they use for locating food. This

loach is available in both its wild form and in a gold variety called the Golden Dojo Loach.

The wild form of the Dojo Loach has dark greenish gray to dark brown spots over a yellowish brown, often mottled body and a noticeably paler belly. The Golden Dojo Loach has a much thinner body and is pink to gold in coloration.

Both forms of Dojo Loach are peaceful and very efficient scavengers that make a welcome addition to any community aquarium. They normally will not bother other fish in the aquarium and are one tropical fish species than can be kept with fancy goldfish to help clean the bottom of the tank. Dojo Loaches wiggle about in an eel like fashion scavenging the bottom for leftover bits of food and even munching on snails.

Dojo Loaches do well in potted plant aquariums with a soft sand or fine gravel substrate. They enjoy digging and burrowing into the substrate and will eventually uproot unpotted plants. They are most active during the evening hours and like to hide during the day in rocks, caves and around driftwood.

In addition to being very playful, Dojo Loaches have some very unique qualities. They can be trained to take food from your hand and enjoy being touched.

Since Dojo Loaches can be jumpers, you should have a tight fitting top on your tank, however, if they do jump out, they can survive out of water for quite some time. They produce a thick mucus coating that keeps their body moist and are able to swallow air by absorbing atmospheric oxygen through their hind gut.

This loach is an easy to care for species that requires a 30 gallon or larger tank, a good filter for the detritus they stir up, plenty of hiding places and a water temperature between 68 and 76 degrees F.

The Dojo Loach is primarily carnivorous. They prefer freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, chopped worms, and other frozen or live meaty foods. They are also fond of snails and will quickly rid your tank of an infestation.

Tropical fish keeping enthusiasts should use caution when housing Dojo Loaches with small invertebrates such as Ghost shrimp or Japonica Amano Shrimp.

The Dojo Loach is common and available for purchase between 2″ to 4″in length.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 50-75° F, KH 3-5, pH 6.5-8.0
Max. Size: 6″
Color Form: Red, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Good community tank fish
Origin: China, Korea, Japan; Farm Raised in Singapore
Family: Cobitidae
Lifespan: 70-10 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

The Dario Botia Loach (Botia dario) is found throughout much of the middle to lower Ganges and Brahmaputra river drainages in northern India, Bangladesh and Bhutan.  Botia dario are collected wild from the rolling mountain streams of Bangladesh, situated just south of the Himalayas.  The area is criss-crossed with clear mountain streams that feed three main rivers.  The Dario Botia Loach also goes by the names Bengal Loach, Queen Loach, Scarf Botia, Geto Loach, and Indian Loach.

The body of the Dario Botia Loach is tan and black in color, and like other Botia loaches can be identified by their four pairs of barbels protruding from the mouth area. The entire body and fins of this Loach is barred with alternating stripes of both tan and black, which gives the fish its unique look.

The Dario Botia Loach is an active, semi-aggressive, social, bottom dwelling scavenger that enjoys the company of its own species and other semi-aggressive fish. Like some other Loaches, they frequently school with others of their own species, size, and age and in the aquarium should be kept in groups of 4 to 8 fish.

Dario Botia Loaches are inquisitive and seem to enjoy exploring their surroundings.  They are shy of bright light, prefer low light conditions and love to hide in caves, holes in banks, plants,, nooks, and tight crannies, especially when they sleep.  They are reclusive during the day and become most active towards dusk.

In the aquarium, be sure to provide Dario Botias with plenty of cover in the form of rocks, wood, flower pots and aquarium ornaments.  Natural style arrangements should include a substrate of sand or fine gravel, plenty of smooth water worn rocks, smooth pebbles, and roots or branches.

Dario Botia Loaches will squeeze themselves into any tiny gaps or crevices they can find, so items with sharp edges should not be placed in the tank. Any gaps or holes that are small enough for the fish to become trapped in should be filled in with aquarium silicone sealant. Because they are jumpers, a tight fitting cover is a must for these loaches.

Dario Botia Loaches come from streams and require currents in the aquarium.  They are intolerant to accumulations of organic wastes and need spotlessly clean water to thrive.  A good filtering system and a small power head will achieve the desired well oxygenated water and moderate current conditions they require.

Since Dario Botias are subject to low light conditions in their native habitat, lighting in the aquarium should be relatively subdued.  Plants like Microsorum pteropus (Java fern), Taxiphyllum barbieri (‘Java’ moss) or Anubias spp. that grow well in low light conditions, will benefit the fish, and when attached to driftwood or other tank furniture will provide additional shade for the fish.
 
Dario Botia Loaches will easily adapt to and should only be introduced to stable, biologically mature aquariums.  Weekly water changes of 30-50% tank volume should be considered routine maintenance.

The breeding habits of this species is not known and no successful captive breeding has yet been recorded by any tropical fish keeping enthusiast.

The Dario Botia Loach is a grazer and requires small amounts of food several times a day. Young Dario Botia Loaches will eat most high quality commercially prepared foods but older fish may be more finicky.   Feed them a varied diet of freeze dried bloodworms, brine shrimp and a quality flake or pellet food.  They relish snails and will feast on them with gusto.

When available for purchase, they are usually 1-3/4″ to 2-1/2″ in size.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-86° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.5
Max Size: 6″
Color Form: Black, Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Social with peaceful, open water dwelling cyprinids
Origin: India, Bangladesh
Family: Cobitidae
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

The Mango Plecostomus (Parancistrus sp. Magnum) comes from Brazil and is known from the Rio Xingu, in the area called Volta Grande do rio Xingu, immediately above Belo Monte falls and below Belo Monte village, and from rio Curuá, rio Iriri, the larger tributary of rio Xingu.

The Mango Plecostomus is coveted by most tropical fish keeping enthusiasts because of its beautiful dark olive green, brown, or lime green body coloration and stunning broad bright yellow bands on both the dorsal and caudal fins.

This hard to acquire species makes a fine addition to any heavily planted community tank aquascaped with rocks, driftwood, and sand or medium gravel to mimic their natural habitat. They require highly oxygenated water movement and like higher water temperatures in the 80° F plus range. Lack of highly oxygenated water in their tank will quickly result in reddening around their mouths. This usually returns to normal with the addition of a power head or more surface agitation.

Due to the amount of waste they produce, good filtration systems are needed for most species of plecostomus, especially as they grow larger.

Because the Mango Pleco is a shy fish, rocks and driftwood should be provided for hiding places and to cut down on the fish’s stress.

The Mango Pleco grows to about 11″ and a tank of at least 70 gallons is needed to accommodate them.

The Mango Pleco is an egg laying Plecostomus that tends to use plants and rocks to anchor their eggs. Although breeding in captivity has not yet been successful, different methods are still being tried.

As with most other plecostomus species, the Mango Pleco is happy feeding off the bottom of the aquarium where they get the majority of their nutrition. However, since this species is always “wild caught” they must be closely monitored when purchased to make sure they are eating.

In the wild their diet is composed chiefly of algae, particularly diatoms and filamentous genera such as Spirogyra and smaller amounts of invertebrates such as chironomids and bryozoans.

When initially introduced into your tank, feed them cucumber or other soft vegetables until they become adjusted to aquarium life. Once they have taken to their environment, they are not fussy eaters. Feed them algae wafers, sinking carnivore pellets, tubifex, freeze dried bloodworms, high quality flake food and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Mango Plecos are particularly fond of sweet potatoes and algae wafers.

Young Mango Plecostomus when purchased are approximately 1-1/2″ to 2-1/2″ long.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy once acclimated
Water Conditions: 78.8-84.2° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.5-7.5
Max. Size: 11″
Color Form: Green, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Good community tank fish
Origin: Volta Grande do rio Xingu, Brazil
Family: Loricariidae
Live Span: 20 years or more
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

The Gypsy King Tiger Pleco (Hypancistrus sp.) also called the King Tiger Pleco comes from the lower Rio Xingu and Tocantins in Brazilian South America.

The Gypsy King Tiger Pleco is a distinctive L number that is frequently confused by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts with other similarly patterned species (L333, L318, L399, L400 and L401).

Young Gypsy King Tiger Plecos are colored differently than the adults however, both have a light base (usually tan) with dark lines or dark brown “tiger” stripes covering the entire body and fins.  The Gypsy King Tiger Pleco (L066) has even, straight lines in the fins; other similar fish do not.  The eyes are also striped and follow the markings on the head.  The males have a more distinct color pattern and are a little darker.  They also have longer odontodes and more bristles on their pectoral spines. Males also acquire quite a few more fine spines on their bodies.  Females have more “mass” when viewed from above but both sexes get pretty well rounded when in good condition.

Gypsy King Tiger Plecos make great additions to any South American community aquarium.  Although they get somewhat territorial with others of their own species, they are peaceful and do well with small tetras, corydoras, etc.

The Gypsy King Tiger Pleco prefers good current with high oxygen levels.  An aquarium planted with hearty, fast growing plants is not absolutely necessary for these Plecos.  In their native habitat, the Rio Xingu, the water is extremely warm (80-84F) and has a high oxygen content. The substrate in the Rio Xingu is made up of stone and sand, and aquatic plants are rare to nonexistent.  Although an aquarium aquascaped with rock caves and lots of driftwood will keep them healthy and happy, a few plants never hurt.

Gypsy King Tiger Plecos max out at about 6″ in length and should be housed in at least a 30 gallon tank.  Adding a powerhead is a must to provide the necessary water movement required by these fish.

Fortunately, the Gypsy King Tiger Pleco has recently been bred in an aquarium setting.

The spawning pair need naturally soft, acidic water (from the driftwood) and the water temperature kept at 84 degrees. Performing a 40-50% water change about every two weeks may induce spawning activity, and feeding them a diet of sinking carnivore pellets also helps.

The male will keep the female “trapped” in a “cave” until spawning occurs and a clutch of eggs are laid (usually at night). The male will continuously fan the eggs until they hatch (in about a week) and will continue to fan the fry until the egg sacs are absorbed (about two weeks).  At this time, if you can get the male out of the cave, you can separate the fry and move them to a rearing tank.  The fry can be successfully raised in a bare 10-gallon tank with a couple of seasoned sponge filters.  As the fry grow larger, feed them algae, algae wafers, and shrimp pellets.  The young are sensitive to nitrates, water changes, and being placed in a different tank; so you might consider just leaving them alone with the male to raise them.

Since they are carnivores, feeding the Gypsy King Tiger Pleco is not difficult.  They get most of their nutrition from left over food on the bottom of the aquarium, from algae, and from other tidbits on the bogwood.  Their diet should be supplemented with bloodworms, mussel, tubifex, shrimp pellets, carnivore wafers, and prepared sinking foods such as Tetra Bits, etc.

Gypsy King Tiger Plecos when available for purchase are 2″ to 3″ long.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 77-84.2°F, KH 6-10, pH 5.8 – 7.0
Max. Size: 5½”
Color Form: Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Good community tank fish
Origin: Lower Rio Xingu and Tocantins in Brazil
Family: Loricariidae
Life Span: 10-15 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

The Gold Royal Plecostomus, is also referred to as the Golden Line Royal Plecostromus, the Goldline Araguaia, or the Platinum Royal Pleco.

All Panaque nigrolineatus and their related species, subspecies, and morphs are commonly identified by the name Royal Pleco (L190).

 

The Gold Royal Plecostomus (L027, L027c) is a large beautiful armored catfish found in the Rio Tocantins, Xingu, and Araguaia rivers of Brazil, that closely resembles and is often misidentified by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Royal Pleco (L190).  Its body is dark brown to black with irregular golden horizontal stripes. The rays of the fins are also golden in color. Gold Royal Plecos have rasping teeth that distinguishes some of the species.

The Gold Royal Plecostomus is a very peaceful fish that makes a nice addition to any large community tank. They are good algae eaters and do well in a broad range of pH values (6.5-7.5) As far as water values are concerned, they have no special requirements outside of the usual conditiions needed for South American fish.

Because they grow quite large (up to 17″) The Gold Royal Plecostomus requires a large tank of at least 125 gallons. It should be highly aerated, have good water movement, good filtration and be aquascaped with hardy fast growing plants, and plenty of rocks and driftwood to provide hiding places for the fish and reduce stress.

Gold Royal Plecos are omnivores and although they are not picky eaters, they need a lot of driftwood in their aquarium. The biological matter (detritus and algae) that forms in and on the wood is a major part of their diet.  Supplementing their diet with spirulina tablets, spinach, lettuce, algae wafers, freeze dried bloodworms and tubifex will keep them happy and healthy.

The Gold Royal Plecostomus that are available are wild caught and to date have not been bred in an aquarium environment. Very little is known about their breeding habits.

Aquarium shops often misidentify these fish but when they are available for purchase, usually at 2-1/2″ to 4-1/2″, they demand a premium price and often suffer from malnutrition. Check their stomachs for being excessively concave before purchasing your specimen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 74-79° F, KH 6-10, pH 6.5-7.4
Max. Size: 1′ 4″
Color Form: Black, Tan, Yellow, Gold
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Good community tank fish
Origin: Brazil
Family: Loricariidae
Live Span: 20 years or more
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

The Gold Nugget Plecostomus (Baryancistrus sp.) L-018  is a nocturnal sucker mouth catfish native to the lower Amazon and Xingu Rivers of Brazil and Venezuela.   They have brown to black bodies with light to deep yellow spots all over. Matching light to deep yellow bands outline the dorsal and caudal fins giving the fish a strikingly beautiful appearance.

The Baryancistrus genus of freshwater Loricariid catfish to which the Gold Nugget Plecostomus belong are differentiated from other related genera by the membrane connecting their dorsal fin and adipose fin.

Gold Nugget Plecos are shy bottom dwellers that require plenty of hiding places, caves and driftwood in their environment.  They do best in well planted tanks with good filtration systems and a power head to provide moderate water movement and highly oxygenated water.  Gold Nugget Plecos like sand or a fine gravel substrate and even in densely planted, well established aquariums, will not damage live plants.

Although Gold Nugget Plecos can be housed with most other peaceful fish and make an excellent addition to most community aquariums, they are best kept as single specimens.  They tend to be aggressive and territorial towards other Gold Nugget Plecos and probably with other Loricariids.

Because Gold Nugget Plecostomus are herbivores and detritivores, they are easy to feed in an aquarium environment.  Most of their nutrition is obtained from algae and leftover fish food on the bottom of the tank.  When no algae or driftwood is present, their diet should be supplemented with a high quality flake food, sinking algae wafers, carnivore pellets, freeze dried bloodworms and tubifex worms.

Most Baryancistrus sp. have not been bred in captivity and to date, the Gold Nugget Plecos breeding habits have not been documented by any tropical fish keeping enthusiast.  This could be due to the fact that even as adult specimens, they are extremely difficult to sex.

Gold Nugget Plecostomus are not common and demand a respectable price when they do become available.   When choosing your Gold Nugget Plecostomus, make sure that the stomach area does not appear to be sucked in.  This is an indication of malnutrition.

Gold Nugget Plecos are usually 1-1/2″ to 2-1/2″ long when they are available for purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 73-82° F, Soft, dh range to 4dH, pH 6.5-7.0
Max. Size: 8″
Color Form: Tan, Black, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: OK community tank fish
Origin: South America
Family: Loricariidae
Life Span:  25 Years
Aquarist Experience Lever: Not suitable for beginner aquarists

The Bushy Nose Plecostomus (Ancistrus sp.), is found in the rivers and floodplain areas of the Amazon River Basin and elsewhere in tropical South America.  Two species (A. centrolepis and A. chagresi) are found in Panama, and three species (A. cryptophthalmus, A. galani and A. formoso) are the only known loricariids that are true troglobites adapted to a wholely subterranean lifestyle.

The most commonly associated feature with the Bushy Nose Plecostomus are the fleshy tentacles found on the head of adult males.  The mouth and nose areas (that give the fish its name) are covered in short, whisker like appendages, which like in other catfish are used for detecting food. Female Bushy Nose Plecos may possess tentacles along their snout margin but they are smaller.  Females also lack having tentacles on their heads.

Except for the subterranean species which have reduced pigmentation, the Bushy Nose Plecostomus is mainly brown in color with a mottling of lighter colored areas on their bodies.  Bushy Nose Plecos are found in many color and fin variations.  The Orange Bushy Nose Pleco is a color variation that is mostly orange with dark brown to black markings.  As they age, their “wiskers” will grow longer and their colors will darken.

The Albino Long Fin Pleco is found in the rivers and tributaries of Paraguay and has extremely long flowing fins.  The Albino Gold Bushy Nose Pleco, a.k.a. Yellow-Ancistrus, comes from the Amazon River Basin of South America. Both of these Plecos are pale in color and like other albinos have red eyes.

Bushy Nose Plecos make great additions to any community aquarium. Bristlenose Plecos do not school but they usually hide when not feeding.  They appreciate a well planted tank with some driftwood and caves to hide in. You can make them feel at home by surrounding them with Amazon Sword plants, Camboba, Hornwort, a few pieces of driftwood, and providing them with good water movement and heavy aeration. Because Bushy Nose Plecostomus seldom grow more than 6 ” in length, a tank size of 30 to 55 gallons is sufficient to house them.

The Bushy Nose Plecostomus is a relatively easy to feed omnivore.  Most of their nourishment is obtained from grazing on algae and other surface growing organisms such as rotifers, small crustaceans, and protozoans.  They will forage on left over fish food on the bottom of the tank and like other plecostomus, benefit from the addition of driftwood, which may be essential to their survival.  In the absence of other plant matter in the aquarium, the wood helps with the digestion of high protein fish foods.

If no algae is present in the tank, feed them algae wafers or tablets, and supplement their diet with frozen bloodworms , live blackworms, flake food, mashed peas, zucchini, spinach, cucumber, or other vegetables.

The Bushy Nose Plecostomus is easy to breed and is regularly bred in captivity by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts. In their natural habitat, breeding takes place in hollows, caves, and mud holes in the banks of creeks. The males clean the inside of the cavity with their suckermouth before letting the female approach and inspect the nest. Courtship includes expanding the dorsal and caudal fins and many attempts by the male to escort the female to the nest. The female can lay up to 200 adhesive eggs on the ceiling of the cavity or on a piece of driftwood in the aquarium. Males care for the eggs by cleaning them, removing diseased or infertile eggs, and keeping them aerated until hatching; which normally occurs in 4 to 10 days over a period of 2–6 hours.

The male will stand guard over the eggs for 7–10 days after they hatch. The fry remain attached to the walls and ceiling of the cave, or on the driftwood, by their mouths as they absorb their yolk sacs.  In 2 to4 days the fry will be free swimming and should be moved to a separate aquarium.  Feed them mashed peeled peas until they can eat algae on their own.

In the aquarium, breeding can be induced during the winter months by performing a major (70% – 80%) water change.

Bushy Nose Plecostomus are available for purchase in all color varieties at about 1 1/2″ to 2″ in length.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 74-79° F, KH 6-10, pH 6.5-7.4
Max. Size: 6″
Color Form: Orange, Tan, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Good community tank fish
Origin: South America
Family: Loricariidae
Life Span:
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Rubber Plecostomus (Parancistrus aurantiacus) are also commonly known as Chubby Plecos, Rubber Plecos or Gold Finned Suckermouths. They are a relatively long lived (10 years or more), algae eating, South American suckermouth catfish that are popular with tropical fish keeping enthusiasts who keep them as “housekeepers” for community aquariums.

The Rubber Plecostomus is found in the fast moving South American rivers and tributaries of the Río Ucayali, in Peru and Brazil.

Rubber Plecos have bristles on both sides of their mouth and under their eyes. Their scales are tan to dark brown outlined in black, however, their colors vary wildly and specimens can be anywhere from dark brown to gold, depending on their mood and stress level. As a general rule their color darkens when they are severely stressed.

The Rubber Plecostomus (Parancistrus aurantiacus) is sometimes confused with the more common Trinidad pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) or the rubbernose or bulldog pleco (Chaetostoma spp) however Rubber Plecos do not grow as large as their other suckermouth catfish, Loricariidae family relatives.

Rubber Plecostomus are efficient algae eaters, which is why they are so sought after for community aquariums to help control algae.

Rubber Plecos are a peaceful fish and make a good addition to any community aquarium. They are not picky eaters and will get most of their nutrition from algae in the tank and left over food on the bottom of the aquarium.   Although they are omnivores and thrive on a vegetable based diet, they should occasionally be given a supplement of freeze dried bloodworms, a high quality flake food, sinking carnivore pellets, or tubifex.

Rubber Plecos need a large, (55 gallon minimum) heavily aerated tank, planted with hearty, fast growing plants, and lots of water movement. Aquascape the tank with rocks and driftwood to provide them with plenty of hiding places and to mimic their natural environment.

The Rubber Plecostomus has not been bred in captivity and their breeding habits have not yet been documented. Sexing the Rubber Pleco is difficult but males have thicker spines on the first hard ray of their pectoral fins.

When available for purchase they are approximately 2″ to 4″ long.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.5-7.5
Max. Size: 7″
Color Form: Black, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: South America
Family: Loricariidae
Life Span: 10 + years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

The Royal Plecostomus (Panaque nigrolineatus), (L190) is also known as the Royal Panaque, the Broken Line Royal Pleco, or the Royal Black-lined Panaque.

Royal Plecos are herbivorous freshwater armored catfish native to Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela where they occur in the Orinoco and Amazon river basins.  These suckermouth armored catfish belong to the Genus Panaque and have a distinct body shape that somewhat resembles a tadpole. They are known for being one of the few fish that actually digest wood.

Royal Plecostomus are light grey in color overlayed with dark grey to black squiggles. They have red eyes and their dorsal fins are edged with cream or gold.  The striking graphic pattern of irregular black streaks over a mossy or cement colored body gives the fish its “Royal” name.

Royal Plecostomus make a peaceful addition to any large (100 gallon or more) tropical freshwater aquarium.  They come from fast moving South American rivers and are found around sunken driftwood (bogwood) where they forage on biological matter and other food items growing on the encrusted wood.

Royal Plecostomus require a large, highly aerated aquarium planted with hardy, fast growing plants, and lots of  water movement to keep them healthy and happy.  Place rocks and driftwood in the tank for them to hide around and forage on.  Aquascaping with driftwood is extremely important to induce the natural feeding behavior of Royal Plecos.  Royal Plecos are primarily nocturnal and are shy under aquarium lights.  You will see them most active at night.  They are also territorial and should be provided a suitable resting area.

Royal Plecostomus are not common in most tropical fish shops and fortunately they are not picky eaters.  As long as you place several pieces of waterlogged driftwood in the tank for them, they will eat the wood, algae, and detritus that forms on the bogwood.

Supplement their diets with fresh vegetables, sinking algae wafers, freeze dried bloodworms, tubifex worms, sinking carnivore pellets or a high quality flake food until the bogwood in the tank “ages” enough to produce sufficient forage for the fish.

Royal Plecostomus have not yet been bred in an aquarium environment by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts and unfortunately very little is known about their breeding habits.

When you can find Royal Plecostomus in a fish shop, they are usually young specimens that are often in an undernourished state.  Dedicated attention to their needs will usually bring them around.

The average purchase size of this fish is between 1-1/2″ to 2″ but they will grow to over 17″ in your tank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 74-79° F, KH 6-10, pH 6.5-7.4
Max. Size: 1′ 4″
Color Form: Brown, Gold
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Good community tank fish
Origin: South America
Family: Loricariidae
Live Span: 20 years +
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Plecostomus (Loricariids), commonly called Plecos, armored catfish or suckermouth catfish comprise several species of freshwater armored catfish belonging to the Loricariidae family.

All of these species (well over 680) have hard bony plates that cover their upper bodies. They also have specially adapted sucker mouths which allow them to attach themselves to underwater substrates.

Most plecos are peaceful bottom dwellers and make excellent community tank additions. They graze over the bottom of the tank and clean up excess algae and uneaten fish food.

Some of the smaller species are excellent algae cleaners and spend their time vigorously cleaning individual plant leaves as well as the sides of the tank.

Plecostomus are usually sold to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts when they are young and small, however in their native habitats many species can grow to over 2 feet in length and should be housed in large tanks.

Plecos (Loricariids) are found on both sides of the Andes in the varied freshwater habitats of Panama, Costa Rica and South America. Although this species’ native range is in tropical South America, it also naturally occurs in Guyana, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname.

Plecostomus inhabit fast flowing streams, torrential mountain rivers, black acidic waters, quiet brackish estuaries, and are even collected from subterranean waterways.

Plecos are found in a wide range of variable color patterns and body shapes, but all have have a ventral sucker mouth with small projections (papillae) around their lips.

The adipose fin, when present, usually has a forward spine and in most Ancistrini species, sharp evertible cheek spines. These cheek spines (elongated odontodes) are usually more developed in males for use in displays and offensive combat.

Plecos mouths and teeth are adapted to feed on a wide variety of foods and some species even have the ability to eat and digest wood.

In their natural habitat, fast flowing streams, they attach themselves to rocks and graze on algae, aquatic plants, detritus and frequently on small invertebrates.

Most species of Plecos are nocturnal, some are territorial, and others (like the Otocinclus) prefer living in small groups. Many species of Plecostomus are air breathers and can live out of the water for many hours and still survive.

Loricariids are facultative air breathers and can survive out of water for long periods without adverse effects. They will only breathe air when under stress, and then use their gills only during high oxygen level conditions, such as during dry seasons when evaporation causes severe drops in water levels and oxygen content.

Plecostomus are occasionally consumed in their native range but have little to no value as a food fish. Their main attraction is for the aquarium trade where there is a great demand for them as algae cleaners.

Some of the more popular species of Plecostomus are listed below with links to more specific information

• Angelicus Plecostomus (Pseudoacanthicus angelicus)
• Bushy Nose Plecostomus (Ancistrus sp.) aka Bristlenose Plecostomus
• Gold Nugget Plecostomus (Baryancistrus sp.)
• Gold Royal Plecostomus (Panaque nigrolineatus) aka Golden Line Royaql Pleco
• King Tiger Plecostomus (Hypancistrus sp.) aka Gypsy King Tiger Pleco
• Mango Plecostomus (Parancistrus sp. Magnum)
• Pario-Ancistrus Pleco (Scobinancistrus pariolispos)
• Peppermint Plecostomus (Parancistrus sp.)
• Rio-Negro Plecostomus (Peckoltia sp. platyrhyncha) aka Candy Stripe-Peckoltia
• Royal Plecostomus (Panaque nigrolineatus)
• Rubber Plecostomus (Parancistrus aurantiacus)
• Sailfin Plecost omus (Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps)
• Thomasi Plecostomus (Chaestostoma thomasi)
• Tiger Plecostomus (Peckoltia vermiculata)
• Trinidad Pleco (Hypostomus punctatus)
• Whiptail Plecostomus (Rineloricaria sp.) aka Whiptail Cat
• Zebra Pleco (Hypancistrus zebra)

Because of the huge number of unknown Loricariids species, a two-part scientific naming system was first devised by Carl Linnaeus in the 1700’s and farther refined in the 1800’s to identify specimens until an official scientific name could be created.

The numbering system for unknown fish, started with L001 (L standing for Loricariidae) and continued for each unrecognized fish.   Once an official scientific name was created, the old L-number was supposed to be retired however, many tropical fish keeping enthusiasts still use these numbers to help identify their specimens.

 Click here for L-numbers and associated Wikipedia articles listed  in numerical order.

 

The Black Kuhlii Loach (Pangio sp.) aka “Java Loach” is only one of over 100 species of loaches in the Cobitidae family.   The Java Loach (Pangio oblonga) is also known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Black Kuhli Loach or “unbanded loach“, the Chocolate Kuhli Loach, Cinnamon Loach and Black Khliwaus.

The Java Loach (Pangio oblonga) was first discovered in 1846. They are found in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and possibly in India, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Both are shy, peacefull, nocturnal bottom dwellers that do better with at least 3 or 4 of their own kind in an aquarium setting. They are more active at night when they are picking around the tank looking for tidbits of uneaten food. They are excellent additions to peaceful community tanks.

The Black Kuhli Loach (Pangio oblonga) is colored a reddish brown to black on its body, with a slightly lighter underside. There is a single black bar at the base of the tail. They have reduced or no scales and their mouths are surrounded by barbels that are used to sense and taste food.

The Black Kuhli Loaches behavior is typical of the Pangio genus. They spend much of their time actively scurrying around, over, and through the plants and decorations at the bottom of the aquarium scavenging for leftover foods that settle on the bottom of the tank. They are great little helpers and aid in aquarium maintenance of a community tank. At times they will lie on their sides and give the impression that they are ill. This is normal behavior for these fish and is done when they have insufficient hiding places in their tank. These loaches like planted tanks with driftwood, rocks, plant roots and caves to explore and hide in.

Black Kuhli Loaches can grow to almost 4″ in length and are sensitive to inferior water quality. They should only be introduced into established aquariums; never in a newly set up tank. Once established, they are easy to care for and get along well with their tank mates.

In their natural habitat Black Kuhli Loaches live in the shallow sandy areas of rivers and streams around shore vegetation and leaf debris.

These loaches normally frequent the shallow, sluggish areas of the streams and probably move into the flooded fields during the high water season. Black Kuhli Loaches are not normally schooling fish but they do live in clusters of scattered indifiduals.

Although it is a scavenger, the Black Kuhlii Loach (Pangio semicintus) is carnivorous and eagerly accepts
tubifex, bloodworms
, small inverts and brine shrimp along with its diet of commercial flake food.

To date, breeding the Black Kuhli Loach in captivity by any tropical fish keeping enthusiast has not been documented.

When they are available for purchase, Black Kuhli Loaches are usually 1-1/2″ to 3″ in length.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Hardy
Water Conditions: 79-86° F, KH 3-5, pH 6.0-6.5
Max. Size: 4½”
Color Form: Red, Tan, Black
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Good community tank fish
Origin: Southeast Asia
Family: Cobitidae
life span of about 8 – 10 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

The Angelicus Botia Loach (Botia angelicus) has recently been reclassified as Botia kubotai, and is known as the Angelicus Loach, the Polka Dot Loach and the Burmese Border Loach.

The Angelicus Botia Loach was discovered by collectors in western Thailand along the Myanmar (Burma) boarder in the Ataran River (Kasat River) in the Salween River system.  They are found in fast moving water with parameters at temperatures of  77 – 86 °F, pH 6.5 to 6.9, and dGH 0 to 8.0.

The body of the Angelicus Botia Loach has gold, black, and grey colors arranged in a pattern that varies greatly depending on the age of the fish.  The main body color is tan to dark

brown.  The entire body and fins of this Loach is barred and spotted with tan markings that give the fish it’s unique look.  Like other Botia loaches, the fish can be identified by the four pairs of barbels protruding from the mouth area.

Like other loaches, the Angelicus Botia is a peaceful, schooling, bottom feeder that does best in an aquarium setting when kept in groups of five or more individuals.  They enjoy the company of others of their own species, but will school with other peaceful bottom dwelling fish of the same size.

Like the Clown Loach, they benefit from being in a planted tank with caves, holes, driftwood, or other places to hide when sleeping.  Because it’s natural habitat is the warm water streams of Myarmar, they need water movement in the aquarium.  A powerhead or two will keep them healthy and happy in a large aquarium setting.

The breeding habits of this species are not known and no successful captive breedings have yet been recorded by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts.  Its a good idea to treat Angelicus Botia Loaches  for internal parasites before introducing them into your aquarium.  This a common problem with all wild-caught bottom feeder fish.

The Angelicus Botia Loach is an omnivorous species and will eat a variety of foods in small amounts, several times a day. They will eat most prepared food flakes made with vegetable matter and most foods normally offered to freshwater fish.  They will also benefit from regular feedings of small shrimp, bloodworms, black worms, brine shrimp and sinking pellets. They will eagerly rid your tank of any snails.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-86° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.5
Max Size: 6″
Color Form: Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Good community tank fish
Origin: India, Burma
Family: Cobitidae
Lifespan: 8 – 12 years
Aquarist Experience Level:  Beginner

The Clown Loach (Botia macracantha) is a peaceful schooling fish native to the inland waters in Indonesia on the islands of  Sumatra and Borneo.

In their native habitat, the Clown Loach is found in fast moving streams with water temperature ranges between 77 and 86 °F, a pH between 5.0 and 8.0, and water hardness between 5 and 12 dH. For a good portion of the year, monsoons force the Clown Loach into blackwater river areas and murky water conditions encountered when the plains become flooded.

Clown Loaches get their name from their bright colors.  The main body is light to bright orange with three wide black, triangular, vertical bands that gives it it’s unmistakeable appearance.  The front band runs from the top of the head through the eye, the middle band runs between the head and the dorsal fin and wraps around the body, and the rear band wraps around the caudal and anal fins around the body.  Clown Loaches are wide bodied fish that have a large moveable spine set in a groove below each of the fish’s eyes that is used for defense and holding onto rocks in swift currents.

Clown Loaches are shy fish and benefit from having live plants and river rocks in the aquarium to hide amongst. They appreciate having caves, holes, driftwood and other hiding places strategically positioned around heavy aquarium plantings.

The Clown Loach is one of the “must have” fish for tropical fish keeping enthusiasts. They get along well with most other members of a community tank and have some interesting habits like swimming upside down or on their sides, and laying on their sides and  “playhing dead” on the botttom of the tank.  This is normal behavior for these fish.

Unlike most nocturnal loaches, Clown Loaches are active during the day but need cover, and shy away from bright light.  Because they are schooling fish, they do best in groups of 6 or more individuals and need a large tank with good water movement.  When kept in groups smaller than five, they will spend a lot of time hiding.  Since they grow up to a foot long in their natural environment, a 100 gallon tank or larger is not inappropriate to keep these fish happy. Clown Loaches are susceptible to Ichthyophthirius (ich) or white spot disease when stressed or subjeted to rapid water temperature changes.

Clown Loaches should be fed several small meals throughout the day instead of only once a day.  They are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods like vegetable flakes, “Pleco tablets”, live, frozen, or freeze-dried worms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, and banana or other plant matter. Botia macracantha are voracious eaters of those nuisance snails that sometimes sneak into your aquarium on live plants.

Clown Loaches are normally available for purchase when they are 1″ to 1 1/2″ long.  A 3″ to 4 1/2″ specimen is considered “large” however, they normally grow to almost one foot in length.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness:  Very Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-86° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.5
Max. Size: 1′
Color Form: Black, Orange, Red, Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Good community tank fish
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Cobitidae
Lifespan: 15 years +
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Loaches are shy, active scavengers that are frequently kept by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts in community aquariums to help clean up the botton of the tank.

They are semi aggressive, easy to keep, generally peaceful, and spend almost all of their time rooting around the bottom of the aquarium looking for tidbits of food.

In their natural habitats, several loach species prefer swimming in schools with their own kind, and many of these loaches will degrade and literally pine away from lonliness when they are kept by themselves in a community tank..

Because some Loaches are semi aggressive when they are kept alone in a community tank, they will sometimes begin to chase other fish around the tank.

To minimize this behavior, add a few more loaches to the tank. They are best kept in groups of 6 or more fish.

The loaches are some of the most interesting, colorful, beautiful and entertaining fish you can add to an large community tank.

Some of the more popular loach species are listed below with links to more detailed information.

• Angelicus Botia Loach (Botia angelicus)
• Black Kuhlii Loach (Pangio sp.)
• Clown Loach (Botia macracantha)
• Dario Botia Loach (Botia dario)
• Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)
• Horseface Loach (Acantopsis choirorhynchus)
• Jaguar loach (Yasuhikotakia splendida)
• Kuhlii Loach (Pangio kuhlii)
• Lohachata Botia Loach (Botia lohachata)
• Panda Garra (Garra flavatra)
• Redtail Botia Loach (Botia modesta)
• Reticulated Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata)
• Sidthimunki Botia Loach (Ambastaia sidthimunki)
• Skunk Botia Loach (Botia morleti)
• Tiger Botia Loach (Botia hymenophysa)
• Weather Loach (Misgurnus angullicaudatus)
• Zebra Botia Loach (Botia striata)

At least a few of these loaches should be added to your aquarium with catfish, to “police” the bottom of your tank.