Care
The Red-finned Blue Loach is one of the larger-growing members of the botiid loach group, and as such requires a spacious aquarium " ideally at least 5ft x 2ft x 2ft. It is a nocturnal species which prefers dim lighting and plenty of hiding places/natural territories in the form of rocky caves, bogwood pieces and robust plants. Despite their obvious beauty and appeal, Red-finned Blue Loaches are actually quite belligerent and are not suited to community aquaria. As a shoaling species, these loaches, with their highly complex social structures, must be kept in groups of 5 or more. A smaller group will result in aggression-related problems, and the keeping of a single specimen to suppress this behaviour is not only unnatural and causes the fish to become reclusive, but from a social-needs point of view, it is incredibly cruel. To see these fish at their best, be sure to keep them in the large sized shoals they are accustomed to. Scuffles will inevitably break out from time to time (usually over pecking order or food) but as with a larger shoal, any aggression will be spread out with no one fish continually bearing the brunt. Blue moon lighting, timed to come on just before the main tank lights go off of an evening, is highly beneficial and will allow you to view the antics of this species under subdued conditions when they will feel most confident. As with all botiid loaches, they will appreciate well-filtered, clean water with high levels of flow and oxygenation. Partial water changes should be carried out on a frequent basis in order to prevent the build up of nitrates. The substrate should consist of a soft sand or fine rounded gravel in order to protect the delicate sensory barbel area of these inquisitive fish. Red-finned Blue Loaches are suitable for housing with other feisty loach species such as members of the Tiger loach group (Syncrossus species) and Skunk Loaches (Yasuhikotakia morleti). In very good sized aquaria, fast-moving medium-large sized Barb species make ideal "dither fish". Despite what some outdated aquarium literature may state, these are not a peaceful community fish and require a tank dedicated specifically to their needs. Please beware of dyed specimens, which sadly still appear to enter the trade. This is a species with so much natural beauty, that it is totally beyond comprehension why these cruel practises are still carried out. Mature settled fish take on a NATURAL deep velvety blue colour (as in the photograph featured above). May also be seen on sale as Red Tailed Blue Botia.
Feeding
A bottom feeding species which should be offered a varied diet consisting of good quality sinking catfish pellets, algae wafers, vegetable matter (such as cucumber) frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, brineshrimp, mysis etc. Larger specimens will relish chopped prawns. Feed when the blue moon lighting is in effect or when the main lights go off to ensure that these nocturnal feeders get their share. Will eat snails.
Breeding
Red-finned Blue Loaches have not been bred in the home aquarium. They are reported to be highly migratory, and, during the floods of the early rainy season, are said to move into the tributaries/streams branching off from the main river to commence spawning.
