Botia macracantha

Origin

Botia macracantha is a tropical fish that can be found in the fresh waters of Indonesia. The largest populations are in the regions of Sumatra and Borneo.
It is a fish beloved by most aquarists for its vivid color and relatively small character and behavior.
The name "macracantha "means" big thorn " and refers to the horny protrusion under the eye. It helps him to defend himself from predators.
In the natural environment lives even 18 years. Even though it is a fish sensitive to some diseases, it also has the ability to adapt very well to others.

Food Botia macracantha

It is an omnivorous species that, in the wild, feeds mainly on algae.
Since it is not a picky fish in captivity it can be fed with dry food, frozen and live food. If you have natural plants that grow quickly good taste will consume them with pleasure.
For the diversification of food you can offer him and vegetables. You can give him zucchini, cucumbers, broccoli, lettuce and other vegetables, without making excess.
In addition to algae, it also consumes and can be fed with larvae, insect larvae, aquaritic worms, pieces of fish, pieces of shrimp.

Appearance Botia macracantha

At maturity it can reach lengths of 30 cm. In captivity it usually grows less, even half its natural size because it is not given space and conditions.
The body of cylindrical shape and yellow color has three black transverse stripes. The widest stripe is the one in the tail area that extends to the swimmer on the back. The second dounga is less wide, and the narrowest stripe starts from the nape of the neck and ends under the chin. Not in all fish Botia macracantha dunga from the cupui region unites under the chin.
The tail is shaped like the letter V. The tips of the tail and fins are orange-reddish. Pilea is smooth and has no scales.
Around the mouth it has 6-8 whiskers with which it searches for food on the bottom of the waters.
Sexual dimorphism (the difference between the Sexes) is somewhat obvious, males have a slightly more elongated tail.

Features Botia macracantha

These fish need an aquarium of at least 300 – 500 liters containing sandy soil, places to hide and an area with relatively frequent plants.
It feels best in jokes. He does not like aquarium melsi.
The water temperature should be between 25 and 30 degrees and ph 6-7.
It is sensitive to dirty or polluted water and can get sick easily if not properly cared for.
It is an active species especially in the evening and at night, but you can admire them during the day even if they have less energy. Being active is recommended a good oxygenation of the water.
It tolerates other non-aggressive fish very well. When resting, he retreats to the ground between rocks and plants and sits quietly.

Breeding Botia macracantha

This fish species shows sensitivity to ichtyoophthirius infections and to various water treatments to prevent other diseases.
It can breed relatively easily in captivity if given the necessary conditions. It is recommended to slightly increase the water temperature.
If you want to breed Botia macracantha fish start feeding them in excess (with fish-based preparations), reduce nitrate concentrations, raise water levels and make as many water changes as possible.
Spawning is done as close as possible to the surface of the water, after spawning you can see small scales on the edge of the pool/aquarium.
After you notice that the eggs have been laid they should be isolated or the fish moved because sometimes they tend to feed on their own eggs.
Within a few days the chicks will hatch, which can be fed with very well crumbled flaky food. The little ones will grow about 2cm per month.