Botia kubotai

Pale spots break up a dark network that changes as the fish grows; juveniles can resemble other Botia.

Natural habitat: Inhabits rivers and streams; habitat photographs show shaded, slower reaches with sand, rocks, submerged wood and leaves.

Plan floor space for an adult group rather than a volume for one small juvenile.

Appearance and identification

Adult B. kubotai usually develops a more complex spotted network. Compare the adult spotted network with B. striata’s fine oblique stripes.

A 120 × 45 cm base; plan floor space for an adult group and provide several shelters.

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

Offer varied, suitably sized prepared food and frozen or live small animal foods, with suitable plant foods. Snail-eating does not replace feeding.

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

Use caution with long-finned fish and small invertebrates. Maintain clean, oxygenated water and places to retreat from current and tankmates.

Sources