Fighting Botia kubotai

[VFX_Bishop]

There are a pair of Botia kubotai in my GF's tank which fight nearly constantly. There are 5 of them all together and it's two of the larger fish who are doing it. They're housed in a river manifold 55gallon tank and their only other tank mates are a small school of Zebra/Leopard danios. There are several hides for them amongst the wood and other hard scape in the tank.

We're thinking, perhaps, adding more to see if that might alleviate the issue however we aren't really sure what the issue is to begin with. If this is an issue of establishing a pecking order/dominance or what. Any thoughts?

[Emma Turner]

This is quite normal for B. kubotai, particularly two specimens of the same size and if they are being kept in low numbers. If you have room in the tank and adequate filtration, add another 4 or 5 (of similar size if possible) to help spread the attention amongst the shoal. Rearranging the decor may temporarily help alleviate the situation, but once they re-establish territories it will start over again when a small group is kept. If you can, add more.

Emma