Blue Botia
Yasuhikotakia modesta
Botiidae
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About
Shops sell it as blue botia, redtail botia or orange-finned loach, usually at 5-8 cm, and two facts get left off the label. The first is the adult size. Seriously Fish gives a maximum standard length of 200-250 mm and asks for a base of 150 x 45 cm - roughly 300 litres - for long-term maintenance. Wikipedia puts it plainly: 'Wild specimens have been found up to 25 centimetres (9.8 in) but those in captivity rarely grow larger than 18 centimetres (7.1 in).' Even the captive figure is a fish that outgrows most community tanks it is sold into. The second is that it is a shoaling animal. Seriously Fish: Yasuhikotakia spp. 'are gregarious, form complex social hierarchies and should be maintained in groups of at least 5 or 6 specimens, preferably 10 or more', and 'when kept singly they can become withdrawn or even aggressive towards similarly-shaped fishes', while in a pair or trio 'the dominant individual can stress the other(s) to the extent that they stop feeding'. Five of an 18-25 cm loach is a large-tank project, not an impulse buy. One more thing worth repeating: this is one of the species dyed for the trade. Seriously Fish records it as 'sometimes subject to artificial colouring with bright blue or purple dyes', sold as 'blueberry' or 'raspberry' loach or botia, notes the practice is illegal in several countries, and strongly recommends against buying such fish - both for welfare reasons and because the process leaves them 'less vigorous and more susceptible to disease'. Aquariadise describes the same trade under the name 'Painted Botia'.
Care
Five or more - ten is better - in a mature tank of around 300 litres with a base no shorter than 150 cm, at 23-28 C, pH 6.0-8.0 and soft to moderately hard water. Soft sand, smooth water-worn rocks, driftwood and enough caves that every fish has a retreat; seal any gap a loach could wedge into with aquarium silicone, and fit a tight lid, because they jump. Botiids do not tolerate accumulating organic waste: 30-50% weekly water changes, good oxygenation and flow, and never a biologically immature tank. Aquariadise warns that the thin scales and bare head leave it unusually vulnerable to disease and to the medications used to treat it - move sick fish to a hospital tank and dose at about half strength. Aquariadise also notes that Redtail loaches 'do not tolerate brackish conditions', which separates them from several oddball bottom fish sold alongside them. It hunts snails and nips trailing fins, so keep ornamental snails, dwarf shrimp and slow long-finned fish out of the tank.
Diet
Protein-leaning omnivore; the wild diet is molluscs, insects and worms. Sinking pellets and wafers, frozen or live bloodworm, Tubifex, Artemia and Daphnia, plus cucumber, courgette or blanched spinach. It eats snails, but it is not a cure for a snail outbreak.
Tankmate compatibility
Possible with care (379)
Avoid (39)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.
Telling males from females
What works for this species, most reliable first.
- Adult sizeA hint only · only across animals of the same age
In many cichlids, catfish and loaches one sex simply grows larger — usually the male, though there are well-known reversals.
Also in these lists
Similar species
Same category and the closest water parameters — if this species isn't quite it, start here.
Health
Disease guide entries relevant to this species — worth a read before you reach for medicine.
The full disease guide →Sold in Lithuania
These Lithuanian shops listed this species in their public catalogue (checked August 8, 2026). Stock moves — ask before you travel.
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Frequently asked questions
- What tank size does a Blue Botia need?
- A Blue Botia needs an aquarium of at least 300 litres (79.3 US gallons) with a footprint at least 150 cm (59.1 in) long — for this species, swimming length matters as much as raw volume.
- What water parameters does a Blue Botia need?
- Blue Botia does best at 23–28 °C (73.4–82.4 °F), pH 6–8 and a general hardness of 2–14 °dGH.
- What group size does a Blue Botia need?
- Blue Botia is a social species — keep a group of at least 5 so natural behaviour emerges and stress stays low.
- Is the Blue Botia suitable for beginners?
- Blue Botia is a demanding species best attempted with some experience — it needs stable, closely watched conditions to thrive.