Botia macracantha | Facts & Information

# Botia macracantha | Facts & Information

Botia macracantha | Discover Fascinating Facts and Information About Botia macracantha

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.

Water temperature: 25 – 30 degrees

Origin: Indonesia

PH: 6 – 7

Food: Omnivorous

Color: yellow with black

Life expectancy: 18 years

Water: Sweet

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Botia Macracantha

Botia macracantha

Botia macracantha, also known as the clown loach or clown botia, is an extremely popular aquarium fish due to its vibrant colors and interesting behavior. This species belongs to the Cobitidae family and is native to the Mekong River basin, which spans across Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Botia macracantha has a distinctive and stunning shape, with an elongated and laterally compressed body that resembles a caliper. Growing up to a length of about 15-20 cm, these fish have a black vertical stripe along their body, adorned with a vibrant shade of orange or yellow, surrounded by black stripes. On the dorsal side of the body, there are also rough and hard spines, which can cause pain if mishandled.

One fascinating characteristic of the macracantha botia is that its eyes are positioned above the head, similar to goggles. They also have an electro-sensory system on their head, which allows them to detect the electric fields of other creatures in the water. This provides them with valuable information regarding the location of food and prey.

In their natural habitat, macracantha loaches prefer to live in fast-flowing waters, particularly in association with rocky or sandy substrates and the presence of hiding spots such as rocks or aquatic tree roots. These conditions need to be recreated in the aquarium to provide them with an environment as close to their natural one as possible. It's important to note that these fish are very active and require sufficient space to move around.

Regarding diet, macracantha loaches are omnivorous and can be fed a variety of foods. They primarily consume insects, worms, and crustaceans, but can also be fed spider food or specially formulated dry food for aquarium fish. It's important to offer them a balanced and diverse diet to ensure their health and vitality.

An interesting aspect of macracantha loach behavior is their play and social interaction. These fish are known for their ability to hide in substrate or among it, and their activity is enhanced in the presence of other loaches or compatible fish species. Additionally, these creatures are quite intelligent, being capable of forming hierarchies and defending their territory.

Although they are usually peaceful fish, it's important to mention that macracantha loaches can become aggressive if kept in small groups or in small aquariums without sufficient space to move around. The good news is that this aggressive behavior can be reduced by ensuring an adequate environment and maintaining a large group of loaches in the aquarium.

In the aquarium, macracantha loaches can reproduce, but this is quite rare and difficult to achieve in captivity. In their natural environment, these fish reproduce during the monsoon season, and in many cases, they do not reach sexual maturity in the aquarium. Therefore, the majority of macracantha loaches available in the trade are wild-caught.

In conclusion, the macracantha loach is an exceptional aquarium fish that brings color and life to its aquatic habitat. With interesting behavior and remarkable adaptability, these fish are an excellent choice for aquarium enthusiasts. However, it's important to provide them with an appropriate environment and take care of their specific needs to ensure a healthy and happy life in the aquarium.

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Facts

Origin

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.

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