Polka Dot Loach

Botia kubotai

Also known as Marble Loach, Kubota's Loach

Animalia›Chordata›Cypriniformes›Cobitidae

The Polka Dot Loach is a striking freshwater fish featuring a dark body covered with bright yellow or white spots, making it highly attractive to aquarists. This Southeast Asian loach is moderately active and social, preferring to be kept in small groups where they display interesting schooling and bottom-dwelling behaviors. They are generally peaceful but require proper tank setup with hiding spaces and compatible tankmates.

Where it's from

Native to the Salween river basin

Myanmar (Burma)

At a glance

Size: 4 in; 10 cm
Min tank: 40 gal; 151 L
Group: 3+
Temp: 75–82°F; 24–28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
GH: 89–214 ppm; 5–12 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 8-10 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Polka Dot Loaches are omnivorous bottom feeders that consume sinking pellets, algae wafers, and small live foods such as bloodworms and daphnia. Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, ensuring food reaches the bottom where they forage. Supplement with vegetable matter occasionally to maintain digestive health.

Behavior

These loaches are nocturnal and crepuscular, becoming most active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours. They spend much of their time on the substrate searching for food and exploring hiding spots, displaying curious and peaceful interactions with their group members. They may occasionally rest in caves or under decorations during daylight hours.

Breeding

Breeding Polka Dot Loaches in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require very specific water conditions and environmental triggers that are challenging to replicate. Most specimens available in the aquarium trade are wild-caught or farm-raised, with little documented success in home breeding.

Tank mates

See all 5

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that occupy different water zones

excellent

Otocinclus

Peaceful bottom dwellers that share similar habitat preferences

excellent

Corydoras Sterbai

Compatible bottom feeders, though may compete for food

good

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful mid-water dweller that won't harass loaches

good

Harlequin Rasbora

Peaceful schooling fish that occupy middle water column

excellent

Fits a 40-gallon tank Peaceful

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).