red tail botia...

[lunasmile]

i have two red tail botias with some clown loaches like 5. the red tails were getting along with each other, but now one of them has taken over a little house and does not let any of the other fish near it, a little aggressive. should I return that red tail loach? or are they school fish and maybe needs more company???

[Emma Turner]

I take it that you are referring to Botia modesta? These are one of the more fiesty species of Botia, and are not suitable for housing with clown loaches, particularly as the modestas mature. Like all species of Botia, they need to be kept in groups of at least five. If you can't provide them with a separate tank to that of your clowns, then the best thing to do would be to take them back to where you bought them. If you are able to provide them with a large tank, then make sure you purchase a few more to help spread any aggression between the two that you already have.

Emma