Bottom Dweller Red Tail Tiger Loach | Single

The Bottom Dweller Red Tail Tiger Loach (Yasuhikotakia modesta), also known as the Red-Finned or Blue Botia, is a striking freshwater fish known for its vibrant coloration and lively behavior. This species is both eye-catching and active, making it a popular choice for aquarists with a well-planned community setup.

Coloration: The Red Tail Tiger Loach has a blue or grayish-blue body with faint vertical bands that give it a subtle, tiger-like pattern. The most striking feature is its bright red or orange caudal (tail) fin, which stands out vividly against the more subdued body color. The dorsal and pectoral fins may also display a reddish hue, adding to the fish's bold appearance.

Size: As a juvenile, this loach typically measures around 6-8 cm (2.5-3 inches) but can grow up to 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in length when fully mature.

Body Shape: The Red Tail Tiger Loach has a robust, elongated body with a slightly arched back and a pointed snout. Its mouth is downward-facing, equipped with small barbels that help it search for food along the substrate.

Temperament: This loach can be semi-aggressive, particularly as it matures. It’s known for being territorial and may exhibit dominant behavior towards other fish, especially smaller or more timid species. However, when kept with other similarly sized or larger fish, it tends to be less aggressive. It is best kept in groups of 3 or more to diffuse aggression and allow for natural social behavior.

Activity: Red Tail Tiger Loaches are highly active, especially during the evening and night. They spend much of their time exploring the bottom of the tank, searching for food, and interacting with their surroundings. They are known for being curious and sometimes even mischievous, which adds an element of entertainment to the aquarium.

Compatibility: Due to their semi-aggressive nature, these loaches are best kept with other robust, fast-moving, or similarly sized fish. They are not ideal for peaceful community tanks but can coexist with other larger, assertive species.

Tank Size: A minimum of  208 litres is recommended, though larger tanks are preferable to provide ample space for their active behavior and territorial nature. The tank should have a secure lid, as these loaches are known to be escape artists.

Water Conditions: The Red Tail Tiger Loach prefers water temperatures between 75-82°F (24-28°C) with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. They thrive in well-oxygenated water with a moderate to strong flow, replicating their natural river habitats.

Substrate and Decor: A soft substrate, like sand or smooth gravel, is ideal to protect their sensitive barbels. Providing plenty of hiding spots, such as caves, rocks, and dense plants, is crucial to help them feel secure and establish territories.

Feeding: Red Tail Tiger Loaches are omnivores and have a varied diet. They enjoy high-quality sinking pellets, live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and even small snails. They are also known to scavenge the substrate for leftover food, contributing to tank cleanliness.