Polkadot Loaches

[Coomon10]

I have done a search for previous posts and there is some really good info there, plus checked the Fish index...

I know loaches want to be in groups of 4+ ideally and the lady in the lfs said i would be ok with say 2 clowns and 2 polkadots, do people agree?

I also notice that the description in the Index mentions that polkadot loaches 'aren't as hardy as others' has anyone had problems/have any advice on how to make sure they will be ok? I am sure previous reading i have done mentions 'doc' being a problem for loaches would extra filtration (I have a standard fluval set-up) help this and the loaches adapt since they come from fast flowing rivers?

TIA

 

[Bloo]

Beware, as there are two different profiles for the same fish in the index. This one - which is outdated, as the scientific name is actually now Botia Kubotai.
And then this one I did which gives some more information.

Yes, they are certainly better in groups and I'd advise 4+ minimum.
As for less hardy than other loaches, I can's say that from my experience to be true. I've never lost one of mine despite going through a bout of ICH (whitespot) at one stage when I had an infestation in the tank. They however were the first fish to display symptoms and also spots.

Just ensure you have a large enough tank for the Clown loaches especially - they need lots of room. Most people advise a tank of 75 US gallons if you intend keeping clown loaches as adults. Due to their mature size.

The Botia Kubotai (as are most loaches) are very playful and you'll often see them frolicking out and about playing games with each other. Lovely fish indeed

 

[Coomon10]

Thanks for that (especially the other link!)

So a split group would be ok then?

Also do you 'over filter' your tank to help the loaches?

TIA

 

[mikev]

So a split group would be ok then?

2 clowns+2 kubotais? NO.
You really must have 5+ clowns. It *may* be possible to have a split group of Kubotai's with another closely related loach (Histrionica, Rostrata), but not with clowns. Clowns have social structure different from other loaches. And, of course, it is best to have the minimal # of Kubotai's too.
(Sample numbers from this end: Clowns: 6, Kubotais: 8, Yoyos: 5, and several smaller species).


And yes, you need to *overfilter* AND provide some current.

 

[Barracuda518]

So a split group would be ok then?

2 clowns+2 kubotais? NO.
You really must have 5+ clowns. It *may* be possible to have a split group of Kubotai's with another closely related loach (Histrionica, Rostrata), but not with clowns. Clowns have social structure different from other loaches. And, of course, it is best to have the minimal # of Kubotai's too.
(Sample numbers from this end: Clowns: 6, Kubotais: 8, Yoyos: 5, and several smaller species).


And yes, you need to *overfilter* AND provide some current.

I have almost those same numbers, except I have 7 Clowns, 7 Kubotais, and 4 YoYos. I second the clown social structure. I can clearly see it with mine. There was actually a reshuffle at the top today with a smaller loach challenging for the top spot.

 

[Lateral Line]

Beware, as there are two different profiles for the same fish in the index.

The older profile had been corrected in the body of the post, but not the title. I have deleted the older, and modified the title of the newer to include Polka-Dot which is the name most commonly searched for.

 

[Barracuda518]

Beware, as there are two different profiles for the same fish in the index.

The older profile had been corrected in the body of the post, but not the title. I have deleted the older, and modified the title of the newer to include Polka-Dot which is the name most commonly searched for.

They were labeled as "Burmese Botias" where I got mine. Just an FYI

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=133288&hl=

 

[Bloo]

They were labeled as "Burmese Botias" where I got mine. Just an FYI

Yep - some pleace have them as Burmese Loach. Same thing, but so many common names for the same fish can be very confusing!

Thanks LL for fixing the Index

 

[Coomon10]

And yes, you need to *overfilter* AND provide some current.

Just so as i am absolutely sure ... Please can you explain what the extra filtration 'achieves'?

 

[mikev]

They were labeled as "Burmese Botias" where I got mine. Just an FYI

Yep - some pleace have them as Burmese Loach. Same thing, but so many common names for the same fish can be very confusing!

You want more?

I saw them sold in stores around here also as Marble Loach and Leopard Loach. Leopard I at least understand, but Marble?

 

[nashnut]

I keep both. I find that although the polka dot loaches do hang with the clowns or I should say one clown, they do need their own group of at least 3. The larger the group the more enjoyment you will get out of them. I keep 4 in with 3 dario loaches, and 4 clown loaches

 

[Araxen]

I just received this month's FAMA magazine here in the States and it has a nice write up about Polka Dot Loaches. They recommend 70-80 gallon tanks for them.

I've had them before and I think the min tank size would be 55 gallons as you'll need a proper shoal of them. They are just as charming at Clowns imo and they have the most beautiful colors too. It just too bad they are seasonal fish and are very hard to find at least in my area near Chicago. I've been looking to get some more. =/

 

[Bloo]

I just received this month's FAMA magazine here in the States and it has a nice write up about Polka Dot Loaches. They recommend 70-80 gallon tanks for them.

In my opinion 50 gallons is more than enough (as a minimum) for a group of 4 - 6. Provided plenty of hiding spaces are available

 

[Coomon10]

I just received this month's FAMA magazine here in the States and it has a nice write up about Polka Dot Loaches. They recommend 70-80 gallon tanks for them.

In my opinion 50 gallons is more than enough (as a minimum) for a group of 4 - 6. Provided plenty of hiding spaces are available

I take it they don't get as big as clowns then? How about yoyo's?

TIA

 

[mikev]

Per fishbase, max size for Kubotai is 8.5cm and for Yoyo's is 15.5cm. In reality, both can grow larger, for example, some have 8in yoyo's (==20cm), but this gives you an idea.

IMHO, even 50g is not necessary, even a 29g will do for Kubotai's if you don't overcrowd (but the larger, the better). But 55g is probably the smallest size to consider for grown-up yoyo's, and it is not sufficient for clowns.