Queen Loach

Botia dario

Also known as Bengal Loach, Geto Loach

Animalia›Chordata›Cypriniformes›Cobitidae

The Queen Loach is a striking bottom-dwelling fish native to South Asia, known for its vibrant yellow and black banding pattern. These active and social loaches are best kept in groups and require plenty of hiding spaces and a well-established tank. They are moderately hardy and make excellent additions to community aquariums with appropriate tank mates.

Where it's from

Native to the Ganges, Indus and Subarnarekha river basins

Nepal, Pakistan and India

At a glance

Size: 5 in; 13 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: Semi-aggressive
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 8-10 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Queen Loaches are omnivorous and should be fed a varied diet including sinking pellets, algae wafers, and occasional live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. Feed once daily in amounts they can consume within 2-3 minutes. They will also scavenge for food on the substrate and consume algae.

Behavior

Queen Loaches are active bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time foraging and exploring the substrate. They are social fish that should be kept in groups of at least three, as solitary individuals may become stressed or aggressive. They are nocturnal and more active during evening hours, often hiding during the day.

Breeding

Breeding Queen Loaches in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require very specific water conditions and large tank volumes to trigger spawning behavior. Commercial breeding is limited, making captive-bred specimens uncommon in the aquarium trade.

Tank mates

See all 6

Rummy Nose Tetra

Peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water columns

good

Corydoras Sterbai

Similar bottom-dwelling habits and peaceful temperament

excellent

Otocinclus

Small peaceful algae eaters that share bottom habitat

good

Bristlenose Pleco

Nocturnal bottom-dweller with compatible care requirements

good

Neon Tetra

Small peaceful fish that occupy mid-water column

good

Fits a 40-gallon tank

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Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date.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).