Loaches Online Forum

Today is a good day! I have just visited probably the best fish shop in my area and have finally found some Botia Kubotai.

I have a 4x2 and a 6x2 tank. I am thinking I might get about 6 x Kubotai and about 8 x Almorhae in the 4x2 Tank. There are a couple of things I am not sure about (listed below). I would love to hear peoples opinions and experiences.

1/ Do Kubotai / Yo Yo like a current?

2/ What dithers would be best for Kubotai / Yo Yo? Or what fish would not be good for them?

3/ If I decided to put them in the 6x2 with about 12 Clowns would there be too many loaches in there?

4/ Any other recommendations? Kubotai are awesome! Thanks everyone

I keep kubotai with clowns, corys (sterbai and aeneus), silvertip tetras (don't like them - very aggressive males), bushynose plecos, and black neons. The kubos don't bother any of them, and aren't bothered by other fish either. I also used to have Synodontis eupterus with no negative interaction. I would agree that kubotia appears to be a pretty ideal community tank fish. I would just avoid fish with similar markings, and you should be able to mix and match pretty freely!

Robert,

yes they like current.

I'm not sure about dithers. I use glowlight tetras just to keep the upper levels of my tank alive but if I had my way, I'd keep species only tanks.

Botia Robert wrote:1/ Do Kubotai / Yo Yo like a current?

Yep. No matter how powerful the currents are, they will be happy with that.

2/ What dithers would be best for Kubotai / Yo Yo? Or what fish would not be good for them?

Danios, arulius barbs, filament barbs, torpedo barbs and other fish with streamlined bodies are suitable tankmates.

3/ If I decided to put them in the 6x2 with about 12 Clowns would there be too many loaches in there?

I don't think so.

Cool Thanks for the responses.

My maths say it is too much of a squeeze to put the loaches in the 6x2 with Clowns. So I will go for the 4x2.

OK so they like current, then I will build a 4' river manifold.

I'm not sure about dithers. I use glowlight tetras just to keep the upper levels of my tank alive but if I had my way, I'd keep species only tanks.

Yes I like the idea of species / region specific tanks too so I will use barbs for dithers. Also I really like barbs.

Danios, arulius barbs, filament barbs, torpedo barbs and other fish with streamlined bodies are suitable tankmates.

Blue, you mention Torpedo Barb. I interpret this to mean Puntius Denisonii. I would love nothing more than to include this species but dont they like cooler waters; max temp about 25 celcius??? Also why are fish with stream lined body shapes preferable? I really like Tiger Barbs. If I put about 8 - 12 in there would they terrorize my loaches?? The loaches take priority of care! Tell me what you think? Thanks.

PS, bslindgren, You kept Sterbai Cory's? You obviously have good taste!!

Botia Robert wrote:Also why are fish with stream lined body shapes preferable?

Their bodies are all too often more adapted to fast flowing currents.

I would love nothing more than to include this species but dont they like cooler waters; max temp about 25 celcius???

I am sure both will be fine.

I really like Tiger Barbs. If I put about 8 - 12 in there would they terrorize my loaches?? The loaches take priority of care! Tell me what you think? Thanks.

Nope. Your tank has sufficient space.

I wouldn't recommend Puntius denisonii for aquaria with high-end tropical temps. The barb (Puntius) family is so diverse and there are a huge number of other more suitable candidates, all equally as beautiful (if not more so) in my eyes. It's just a case of researching to see what is suitable for your conditions, and what you personally like.

Emma

As far as dithers go you cant go far wrong with Puntius filamentosus, Puntius everetti, Puntius johorensis and Puntius pentazona along with a mixture of Rasbora's.

Like Emma said some of the Puntius family don't tolerate the temperatures that most loaches like but all of the above have been kept with loaches and have spawned, I have even had some spawning activity from my Rasboras recently

Mad Duff congrats on the rasbora spawnings

i have rasboras with my yoyos, and they are doing well. they will flirt, but as yet i have seen no eggs. they seem to like playing in the currents. some sources say rasboras like calmer water - so if in doubt check that they dont come from lakes or swamps, as some rasbora species do.

Robert i hope you enjoy the kubotai. they are so beautifull, and i wish i had the spece for them.

Thanks again guys. Those are some good suggestions.

I will probably start with a few Puntius Nigrofasciatus. They are supposed to be able to handle slightly warmer waters and they are peaceful.

Anyone ever tryed tiger barbs with loaches?

As far as Rasboras go I am Boycotting them in sympathy of what happened to one of the members here. RIP MD Clowns.