Rostrata from Jim Powers

Keith Wolcott · Post by **Keith Wolcott** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:07 pm

They have both been back to the large tank and now the one with more spots is back in the small tank again. So it looks like they have mastered the idea of the bridge.

20 minutes later. I just now went and watched for a bit while my wife and I played a game of backgammon. We saw the rostrata not only go across the water bridge, but also lead a striata and a kub across with him. That striata and that kub have not to my knowledge been across in many weeks. I have seen two loaches cross at once, but that is the first time that I have seen three at once.

15 minutes later. Now both rostratas are back in the small tank.

I saw one rostrata eat a couple of pieces of either brine shrimp or mysis shrimp. I think the other one probably ate some too, but I could not see it.

The rostrata have been so interesting that I think that I will have to spend quite a bit of time just watching tomorrow. They are not only the biggest loaches in the tank, but are clearly the smartest. You taught them well Jim!

Jim Powers · Post by **Jim Powers** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:19 pm

That's great!!
Hope you can get more pics of them, soon.

Botia Robert · Post by **Botia Robert** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 12:33 am

Thats a nice looking tank Kieth! The water looks crystal clear and the fish seam to be loving it.

The Rostrata look spectacular doing the "Circular Swimming". My Kubs do that from time to time and it can last quite a while. With repeated, determined attempts.

Its nice to see Botia having fun.

Keith Wolcott · Post by **Keith Wolcott** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 5:37 pm

Thanks Robert.

Things have calmed down today. The rostrata seem to be hiding out. They are probably tired from all of their activity. This morning they were both in the small tank and I waited and got a video of one going to the large tank. Since then, they have each stayed put (as far as I know). Here is the video (It is not great, but you can see him go from right to left. I was afraid if I moved closer, I would scare him.).

NancyD · Post by **NancyD** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 6:07 pm

Very cool Keith. I like the planty tube even without fish. Your tanks look great

Jim Powers · Post by **Jim Powers** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 6:09 pm

That's very cool. I could sit and watch those tanks all day.

Keith Wolcott · Post by **Keith Wolcott** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 7:37 pm

Thanks Nancy.

Jim, you said that you wanted more pictures. Here are a few. The orange color is really starting to come out.

This first one is not sharp, but I liked the pose.

Jim Powers · Post by **Jim Powers** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 10:44 pm

Thanks for the pics, Keith, they are looking great.
Do they always hang out together?

Keith Wolcott · Post by **Keith Wolcott** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 11:03 pm

Not always together, but often together. They move rather fast, so they can be on opposite ends of the tanks or in different tanks, and then quickly get back together and swim around together for a bit before they separate again. They have been quite a pleasure to watch. The one with less orange and fewer spots has been less active today. I think that they are still settling in and it will take them awhile to relax a bit. I put quite a few pellets in tonight and I have left the moon lights on so I hope that they will eat.

Jim Powers · Post by **Jim Powers** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 11:42 pm

I imagine they are still settling in. Having their choice of two tanks and use of a water bridge is quite\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

I think you're right. They really haven't had much time to fully settle in. Afterall, they have such a large tank to explore plus access to the other tank through the water bridge. Once they get used to this, I imagine you will see them eating more regularly. They ate a wide variety of food, including bloodworms, brine and mysis shrimp as well as some pellets.

Keith Wolcott · Post by **Keith Wolcott** » Mon May 04, 2009 11:30 am

The rostata are doing quite well. I had a scare with a case of ich, but all is well now. See http://forums.loaches.com/viewtopic.php?t=18030 for details.

The rostrata continue to use the water bridge every day. One of them goes through to the small tank every day when I do a water change. He has a routine. He swims over to the entrance, takes a look, leaves, comes back and takes another look, leaves, then comes back and swims through. When either of the rostrata swim though they swim really fast. The clowns take their time and look around in the bridge as do the SAEs.

Somehow a brilliant rasbora went through the water bridge. He was the only one in the small tank and was not happy (hiding down in the plants). When he did not find his way back after three days, I netted him out and put him back in the large tank. He was happy to get back with his school.

Jim, the rostrata have really settled in well now. I see them eat regularly, but still kind of secretively. I really like them since they are fun to watch. If you just walk into the room and take a quick look you never see them, but if you sit there for 5 or 10 minutes they are out and about. They have claimed a favorite sitting spot on a log in the center of the large tank that is under another piece of wood. The striata like that spot too, but the rostrata are oblivious to them when they come around. I have seen a couple of them nose him when he is sitting there, but he just turns and faces them and stands his ground, and they give up and leave.

BotiaMaximus · Post by **BotiaMaximus** » Mon May 04, 2009 11:54 am

Great looking Loaches, Tanks and the bridge is awesome! I saw another picture of yours just showing the entrance to the bridge but couldn't visualize the setup - that is very cool. Do you get it filled and then do a quick flip to keep it full??

Thanks,
Keith (a Florida variant)

Jim Powers · Post by **Jim Powers** » Mon May 04, 2009 12:10 pm

I'm glad my boys are doing well and you are enjoying them so much.

Keith Wolcott · Post by **Keith Wolcott** » Tue May 05, 2009 1:11 pm

Keith- See http://forums.loaches.com/viewtopic.php ... &start=180 for how I filled the water bridge with water.

BotiaMaximus · Post by **BotiaMaximus** » Wed May 06, 2009 7:40 am

Thanks for the link to your thread Keith. Clever gadget you made for filling it up. Also got all my follow-up questions answered for me as well! Great idea on the venturi powered flow system!!!

Beautiful Setup.

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