Banded Loach /Green Tiger Botia

[SomethingFishy]

Has anyone here ever had one of these?

I recently purchased a couple of these beautiful fish. The guy at the LFS did not know what they were. (suprising considering this place is usually really good) After doing some searching on-line I think this is what they are - Banded Loach / Green Tiger Botia - Botia hymenophysa

Has anyone ever kept these?

*celebrate

 

[SomethingFishy]

Sorry . . . I have not pics right now but as soon as I get a battery for the camera I will post some.

 

[Fruitbat]

I've kept Botia (Syncrossus) hymenophysa on a number of occasions. They are gorgeous loaches that grow to a rather large size (as much as 10 inches) so they'll need a relatively large aquarium eventually. They can be a bit territorial on occasion, especially with other loaches. They'll eat practically anything but, like other loaches, really seem to go nuts for bloodworms. A good diet will be a varied one and will include the occasional algae wafer or other plant material like cucumber or zucchini.

 

[420Loach]

heres a pic of them:

http://pages.prodigy.net/rahill0/species/tiger.html

 

[ashleigh]

Wow- is it just that picture or do they really have a long face like that?

 

[Fruitbat]

They really have a long face like that!

 

[ashleigh]

they are avery interesting shape- not precisely like any I have ever seen.