Common Name Dwarf Loach, Monkey Botia, Circle Botia, Chain Loach Scientific Name Botia Sidthimunki Origin Northern Thailand, Northern India - in muddy lakes Adult Size 2 1/2 inches Life Span unknown Sexual Identification Not possible to tell the difference between the two. Behavior Dwarf Loaches are active, peaceful fish that should be kept in schools of 6 or more. This Loach is a great addition to any community aquarium. These Loaches require sand or fine gravel with mulm, mid-dense vegetation, dim lighting, ample swimming room for courtship and schooling, plenty of hiding spaces such as rocks, slate, clay pots with holes that allow only them to enter, driftwood, hollow trunks, roots, PVC tubing, and caves. Even though this little guy is a Loach, he is not aggressive. A minimum size of 29 gallon long is recommended for these small fish. Once wrongly considered extinct, these fish are endangered. This small Loach is active during the day as well as at night. They have very tiny scales on their bodies; however, there are none on their heads. Dwarf Loaches, like all Loaches, are prone to contract ick, but very sensitive to ick medications. This Loach may not be very easy to come by, so if the opportunity arises, I would highly recommend them. Water Environment pH: 6.0-8.0, Temperature: 79-82º F, Aquarium: Provide a lot of space but also shelter by adding driftwood, rocks and slate, plants and caves. Water: Good filtration - soft, alkaline water. Diet These fish can take shrimp pellets, live foods, dried foods, frozen foods, algae, vegetables such as: romaine lettuce, zucchini. Reproduction Egglayer: This loach is considered an endangered species and is being bred in aquariums to guarantee their survival in the future. These fish take several years in order to reach sexual maturity. Compatible Tank Mates Neon Tetras, White Spot Tetras, Half Striped Penguins, Ruby Tetras, Bloodfins, Black Widows, Rummy-Nosed Tetras, Black Neon Tetras, Black or Red Phantom Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, Platies, Mollies, Guppies, Swordtails, Zebra Danios, Giant Danios, Gouramies, Hatchetfish, Dwarf Australian Rainbows. Plant Compatibility Java Moss, Echinordorus, Vallisneria, Cabomba - fine leaved plants are suitable as well as wide leaf plants such as Crypts, Swords, Aponogetons, Anubias, Tiger lotus, banana plants, Hornwort. Tips This fish is not a picky eater!

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