Skunk botia - Yasuhikotakia morleti

Scientific name: Yasuhikotakia morleti

Common name: Skunk botia

Family: Botiidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 10 cm (3.15 - 3.94 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.4 - 7.8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 12°N (89.29 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 29 °C (75.2 - 84.2°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: East Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

Feed Skunk botias with catfish sinking pellets, brine shrimp and daphnia are also readily accepted. As with most Botia, this fish will make a meal of any snails in the aquarium. Feed these fish at night to make sure they get their share.

Origin

To be found in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.

Sexing

Males tend to have a slimmer profile than the females.

Breeding

As of yet there are no reported cases of Skunk botias breeding in the aquarium.

Lifespan

The expected life span is 6 years.

Short description

Yasuhikotakia morleti often remain hidden during daylight hours, they become active after the tank lights are out and can be quite boisterous. They have been known to burrow under the sand and rocks, because of this ensure all tank décor is stable. Skunk Botia are one of the most aggressive loaches and need to be kept in small groups or they may harass their tank mates.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk. Also thank to Jonathon Whipple.