Magnificent loach - Botia macracantha - S

One of the best-known loaches is almost certainly the splendid loach, also called Bothia macrantha or Chromobotia macrantha. The scientific  species name chromo refers to the coloration of the animals, botia is a Sumatran common species name. Macranthus refers to the eye spines of the loaches and can be interpreted as "with large spines". Native to Southeast Asia, the magnificent loaches are endemic to the Indonesian freshwater rivers of the two major Sunda islands of Sumatra and Borneo and were first described scientifically in 1852.

Giant loaches have a flat and high-backed body with a yellow-orange ground color interspersed with three black bands. The first extends over from the nape of the neck across the eye, the second begins in front of the dorsal fin set far back to behind the pectoral fins, and the third begins from the tip of the dorsal fin across the body down to the anal fin. The fins may be red-orange in color, and there are barbels on the mouth. Like many other loaches, it has so-called sub-eye spines, which it can unfold and lock in place in case of danger. Mainly this function serves as protection against predators. Also loaches have the ability to produce clicking sounds, which serve for communication, also it can, like some carps, recognize sounds via the so-called Weber's apparatus in its head skeleton. In their habitat, where they mainly inhabit the lower water zones,  their striking coloration serves as camouflage. Giant loaches migrate upstream in larger schools during spawning season.

Since loaches live in groups and can also reach sizes of up to 30 centimeters, they should be kept in rather large aquariums so that they can live out their species-typical social behavior. Our loaches are approx. 4 cm in size when delivered. It is difficult to distinguish the external sexes of the clown loaches. Especially the females increase significantly in mass, whereas the males remain somewhat smaller and narrower. Breeding in captivity is difficult and not to be expected in the home aquarium.

Loaches are tolerant to some extent concerning the water values and can be kept in medium hard water with a total hardness between 5 and 20 °dGH, as well as a pH-value between 6 -7,5. The water temperature should be 24 - 28 °C. As bottom dwellers loaches should be offered fine gravel or sand, as well as enough free swimming space, but also a good underwater vegetation with roots, woods and also caves . Loaches are very territorial in places, so the number of burrows should be higher than the number of animals. Loaches come from rather vegetation-poor habitats, which is why even sparse planting does not bother them. This is usually not bothered.

In and of themselves loaches can be socialized quite well with fish from the middle and upper water zones. Since they show a rather rough social behavior within the species, because they clarify among themselves, they have the reputation to be bad guys. However, as mentioned above, this is due to their pronounced social behavior and improves as soon as loaches can live according to their species. This includes, among other things, the community of their peers and an appropriate space. The animals can reach an age of up to 20 years, if they are properly cared for. Above all, keeping loaches in solitary confinement raises them to be unpleasant co-inhabitants.

Especially for the containment of snail plagues loaches are mainly recommended, so the socialization of snails and other smaller invertebrates such as shrimp is rather not recommended. Crayfish and loaches could possibly get into each other's way, which is why this socialization is also not advisable.

Loaches feed on small crustaceans and snails, but can also be fed very well in the aquarium with bottom tablets, frozen food and live food, but also feeding snails . A varied menu says them very well and promotes their well-being.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfishfeed for all aufwuchs feeding sucking catfish in the aquarium is a balanced tablet food, which does not cloud the water and the fish like to eat. The catfish tablets also contain NatureHolic active ingredient complexes that provide sucking catfish with everything they need for a strong immune system, healthy growth and great, contrasting coloration. As a snack, supplemental food or vacation food, we recommend the CatfishPlates.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.