Sinibotia pulchra pictures

[Martin Thoene]

These fish have to be one of the hardest fish I've ever tried to photograph. I've owned them quite a while, but never managed to get more than the odd head shot or a slightly blurry picture. They won't stay still long enough for the camera to get focus.

Since moving the fry-munching fish out of the 65 River-Tank, the two pulchra have been hiding a lot. This afternoon, the UFO Schistura in there decided it was time not to do the loachy-dance, but to go completely bananas. One of the pulchra obviously decided that it looked like fun.

So after about a million shots of nothing or a tail dissapearing stage left, I got these pictures which I am justifiably (I think) really happy with.

The one time he actually stayed still.



These fish are so wonderfully sinuous.



Digging in the gravel.



This picture tells you everything you need to know about pulchra. Ultra-flexible bodies.



And a picture that sums up why we keep Loaches. Two obviously having lots of fun together.



Martin.

[Mad Duff]

Great pictures Martin of two lovely fish, I think you you should be more than happy with them

[botiaboy]

I had to get my longeventralis into the net to get ANY pictures.By the way,since your updatind the profiles, i have pictures you could use(these are from before i descovered here)... http://www.aquaria.info/index.php?name= ... ic&t=47779
Not the best,but theyre ok.

[piggy4]

Stunning shots Martin ! aint got these fish at the moment Martin , but despite their slightly Syncrossus like appearance , i found them to be non aggresive , whats your experience , i take it from the tank mates not bad ? very shy , hence very quick ,ha ha .

[botiaboy]

Very peacful, mine is in with rainbowfish,corys,tetras,UDCs,and several other peacful community fish

[Emma Turner]

Fantastic pics! I wish more than anything that I was allowed to import these into the UK again, I miss mine so much. Such great personalities and I found mine to be peaceful with other species.

Emma

[Martin Thoene]

Totally agree. I don't know exactly what it is about them, but they seem to give off this vibe of just thoroughly enjoying life.

Martin.

[Graeme Robson]

Lovely pictures

[piggy4]

It seems a shame these fish have been banned ! more so with a lot of the chinese loaches Botia's etc , banned before we have had the chance to learn about them, a pity.

[Graeme Robson]

It seems a shame these fish have been banned ! more so with a lot of the chinese loaches Botia's etc , banned before we have had the chance to learn about them, a pity.

I know how you feel.

[The.Dark.One]

A mate of mine has two S. pulchra, and he had to split them up because they were fighting each other. One is very pale and poorly marked compared to the other (we think it might be a female).

He has just bought Leptobotia guillinensis and has split them up just in case.

When you say they are banned from the UK do you mean you need the licence to keep them?

[Barracuda518]

Very nice pictures