Loaches Online Forum

I remember there being an argument a while ago when B. kubotai first came out whether its actually a morph of B. rostrata or not? Perhaps a regional variation?

How has this been resolved?

M. Ophir

Kub's and rost's are both closely related but scientifically different Kub's are Burmese whilst Rost's are from India , there is an opinion that the true identity to the Brahmaputra drainage fish we see in the hobby as Rostrata is only tentative

Yes true, but my concern is that the claims made in Kottelat's paper seem to be reaching. I have a hard time following his argument for why they should be separate species when regional variations could produce morphs with the same degree of variation. I mean look at the variability in fin rays and morphs in B. almorhae


Additionally I am a long time doubter of his break up of the genus Botia, his reasons seem to me a bit absurd to be honest. I know I am not a professional ichthyologist and he has had a career filled with milestones and accomplishments. However his work regarding the breakup of the Botiidae into 4 separate genera just doesnt make sense. Anyone with any thoughts or counter arguments?

Thanks,

Mike O.

Personally I think the two fish are different , certainly behaviourally which would surely help in the differenciating factors ?