Sinibotia robusta

Doc · Post by **Doc** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 6:16 am

Need some input folks.

Yesterday I managed to get the lone Sinibotia robusta that had been in a tank with some B.kubotai and B.histrionica for approx 2 months. I managed to get it for £5 as I get on well with one of the staff in the shop
(the other Loaches were all labeled for £15).
He is in quarantine at the moment but I now have the task of selecting which tank to put him in when he is ready..

Tank 1. 5ft Loach tank with Clowns, Histies and Yo-yo, Puntius and P.pulcher.

Tank 2. 4ft Loach 'Grrrr' tank with Y.modesta, Y.morleti, S.beaufortia, Pelvicachromis, G.cambodgiensis.

Tank 3. 3.5ft Hillstream with B.leveretti, S.mahnerti, Tanichthys.

I am also in two minds about trying to track down some more Robusta to join him or to leave him on his own (I'd prefer the former but am aware of the fiestyness of them). If anyone near me has seen any on sale lately let me know..

Graeme Robson · Post by **Graeme Robson** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 7:11 am

I can understand your dilemma Doc. The Sinibotia robusta varies in aggression, well in my experience anyways. First off we must remember that some lone specimens do tend to act more defensive to other species around them (i did mention some) and observing them closely can help decide.

At the moment i keep 6 Sinibotia robusta in with some Nemacheilus pallidus and some Garra spitola and they are acting like a perfect citizen to-wards other tank-mates. I also keep 3 Sinibotia robusta in one of my Grrr tanks and they get along fine with all other occupants, although i have witnessed that they can look after them-selfs if harassed.

I would ignore the Hill-stream tank which leaves the other two....

I personally think you can add him to any of the other two tanks. It really depends on how he behaves, how do you think his attitude is Doc?

Doc · Post by **Doc** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 8:32 am

Thanks Graeme. From what I have observed of him at the shop he was definitely the boss of the tank, however this was with fish his own size or smaller and he wasn't outwardly aggressive even considering the smaller size of the tank he was housed in. At about 2.5" he would be on a par with the smaller Yo-yos in the larger tank and they can more than hold their own with the others.
I think the 'Grrr' Tank may be too much for him at the moment and ideally I'd prefer him to be in with the Larger tank.
My only problem with the two large tanks is the temp range for him.. Both are at 27°C and I feel this may be too much for him long term..

raecarrow · Post by **raecarrow** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 8:55 am

I've been wondering for a little while. What do you guys mean when you say "Grrr" tank?

Graeme Robson · Post by **Graeme Robson** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 9:06 am

I agree Doc, the temperature is causing a bit of a concern regarding long term accommodation. These impulse purchases eh? You probably know what i'm gonna suggest next then? Emma has some of these in stock and a new tank is always nice......

raecarrow, this should help you understand >>http://www.loaches.com/articles/tigers- ... s-in-crime

Doc · Post by **Doc** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 9:13 am

As much as my beautiful other half loves Loaches, I can't see her agreeing to yet another tank.. I might see what I can come up with. I have a few spare 2ft and 2.5ft tanks that could be setup but I personally think they are too small..... decisions, decisions...

raecarrow · Post by **raecarrow** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 10:28 am

So basically a tank for more agressive species of loaches. Gotcha.

Thanks!

newshound · Post by **newshound** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 12:50 pm

i'd go for your grr tank
mine is the boss except to the REAL boss (Eos)

newshound · Post by **newshound** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 10:41 pm

the lfs just received some robusta and they have already killed two dwarf clawed frogs.
robusta are highly aggressive IMO
great for the community tank

Emma Turner · Post by **Emma Turner** » Sun Nov 09, 2008 3:30 am

I know shop situations can be different, but I have always found juvenile S. robusta to be little darlings, and then as they age, they suddenly change into aggressive little hooligans.

Emma

Tinman · Post by **Tinman** » Sun Nov 09, 2008 9:06 am

From what I have observed of him at the shop he was definitely the boss of the tank, however this was with fish his own size or smaller and he wasn't outwardly aggressive even considering the smaller size of the tank he was housed in. At about 2.5" he would be on a par with the smaller Yo-yos in the larger tank and they can more than hold their own with the others.
I think the 'Grrr' Tank may be too much for him at the moment and ideally I'd prefer him to be in with the Larger tank.
My only problem with the two large tanks is the temp range for him.. Both are at 27°C and I feel this may be too much for him long term..

Your description is excellent. He will get tore up with true grrrs IMO. Mine did well with less aggressive loaches like Yo-yo's for many years at 30 C. Your mileage may vary. Mine never damaged a single fin with many loaches even 1/4 his size although space limitations may lead to more aggressive behavior.again your mileage may vary.....but my favorite loach lived in a community tank for many,many,many years.

Graeme Robson · Post by **Graeme Robson** » Sun Nov 09, 2008 9:12 am

Yeah, the mileage does seem to vary. Personally i would class them in par with the Botia almorhae. Hanging on the borderline of aggression.

newshound · Post by **newshound** » Sun Nov 09, 2008 10:22 pm

mine "out" everyone but the large modesta and eos.
and fast as...

Doc · Post by **Doc** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:44 am

Thanks for all the input folks. I am probably going to go with the following plan..
After quarantine introduce into the Larger tank with the more placid Loaches and monitor for a period.. If all seems fine then he can stay here. If he is too aggressive or boisterous then he will be moved into the 'Grrrr' tank and monitored.
If anyone sees any for sale in the Northwest then let me know.

wasserscheu · Post by **wasserscheu** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 9:48 am

saw a single S.robusta yesterday, at the store I bought my large unfourtunately single S.pulchra.
It's a bit above 2", I guess and it runs in his cave when approaching the tank but sticks it's nose out and to show up completely short after. That game repeated and I started to like that brave little guy. The way he played also gave me the idea he his rather brave and the spezies index and your mails confirm it's risk of running aggressive.
Here I am, having 2 Syncossus hymenphysa in the community tank (which typically is a clear no-go) and I am worried about the robusta. The tigers don't bother very small fish, the larger chases the smaller tiger with no mercy (very harsh) from food. The behaviour to other loaches so far stays with just guesture and indication of niping towards gills. Even towards the larger ones who accept the bahviour "as a genetic defect" and move away 2" or so. Interesting is the Sync./Y. Caudip. interaction, their harsh behaviour comes accros like "good that there are a few 'normal' fish here". When Y. Caudi snaps at Tiger, the tiger also just moves only an inch ore 2.
So, it does make perfect sense to establish grrr tanks, I am adding a new tank soon any way...

But, tell me, shall I leave the S. robusta at the store

It must be a customer return and fish get returned for a reason...

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