Botia histrionica

Young fish carry five dark bands; pale spots develop with growth, creating confusion with juvenile B. kubotai.

Young fish carry five dark bands; pale spots develop with growth.

Active behaviour can intimidate very small fish and trailing fins may be nipped.

Appearance and identification

Adult bars break into irregular markings, overlapping with the spotted network of B. kubotai; juveniles are easily confused.

A 120 × 45 cm base.

May eat soft-leaved plants. Ornamental snails and shrimp may be at risk.

Provide varied, suitably sized sinking food and small animal foods with suitable plant food; snail predation does not replace feeding.

Keep at least five or six, preferably ten or more.

Active adult groups need sufficient bottom area and several refuges; very small companions may be intimidated and trailing fins nipped.

Sources