How difficult is it to keep Reticulate Loach?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Reticulate Loach?

The ideal temperature for Reticulate Loach is 24〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Reticulate Loach?

The average lifespan of Reticulate Loach is 8-12 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Reticulate Loach get?

Reticulate Loach typically reaches About 15cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Reticulate Loach?

Reticulate Loach feeds on: Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex, vegetables such as cucumber. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Reticulate Loach?

The price of Reticulate Loach varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Reticulate Loach

Intermediate

Botia lohachata

A medium-sized loach with a black reticulated pattern over a silvery body, from the rocky, gravelly rivers of India and Pakistan. It settles when kept in a group and works the bottom of the tank actively.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

24〜30℃

Lifespan

8-12 years

Size

About 15cm

Diet

Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex, vegetables such as cucumber

About

Botia lohachata is a loach of the Ganges and neighbouring basins from Pakistan into India. FishBase gives a total length of 15.4cm, and it inhabits creeks with rocky and gravel bottoms. A black reticulated pattern runs over a silvery ground, and in juveniles the marks read as the letters i and y, the origin of the English name yo-yo loach. FishBase records 24-30C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 5-12dH in the wild. Seriously Fish, under the Botia almorhae grouping that includes this species, gives a 120 x 45cm tank of about 243 litres, pH 6.0-7.5, 2-12dGH and 19-27.5C. A base of sand or fine gravel with rounded stones and driftwood, arranged to give plenty of cover, lets it settle. It is inquisitive and explores the bottom constantly, so it needs space. It is not especially aggressive, but much smaller fish are intimidated by it and slow, long-finned fish such as ornamental bettas and guppies risk nipped fins. There are no reports of natural breeding in aquaria, and trade stock is mostly produced with hormones. IUCN status is Least Concern.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Reticulate Loach

The Reticulate Loach lives 8-12 years.

Size of the Reticulate Loach

The Reticulate Loach grows to About 15cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Reticulate Loach

The ideal temperature for the Reticulate Loach is 24〜30℃.

Basic Info

Origin

South Asia (Pakistan, India, Ganges basin)

Care Specifications

pH: 6–8
Hardness (GH): 5–12 dGH
Water Temp.: 24–30℃
Min. Tank: 243 L

Semi-aggressiveGroupBreeding: Very hard

Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish（Botia almorhae 種群）

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Botia lohachata Chaudhuri, 1912

Authority databases: FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.