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Redtail Botia
Yasuhikotakia modesta
Also known as Blue Botia, Redtail Loach, Modesta Loach, Orange-Finned Botia
Animalia›Chordata›Cypriniformes›Cobitidae
The Redtail Botia is a semi-aggressive loach native to Southeast Asia, known for its striking red or orange tail fin contrasting with its silvery body. These active bottom-dwellers are social fish that thrive in groups and require plenty of hiding spaces and substrate for foraging. They are moderately challenging to care for due to their specific environmental needs and social requirements.
Where it's from
Native to the Bangpakong, Chao Phraya, Dong Nai, Mae Khlong and 1 other river basins
Thailand, Vietnam and Laos
At a glance
- Size
- 5 in
- 13 cm
- Min tank
- 75 gal
- 284 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
Redtail Botias are omnivorous and require a varied diet including sinking pellets, algae wafers, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. Feed once daily, providing only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. They are natural foragers and will scavenge the substrate for food.
Behavior
These loaches are active, social fish that spend most of their time on the substrate searching for food and exploring. They are nocturnal and more active during low-light periods. Redtail Botias can be aggressive toward smaller fish and may nip at slower-moving species, but they are generally peaceful with similarly-sized tank mates.
Breeding
Breeding Redtail Botias in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely successful in home aquariums. They require very specific environmental triggers and large, well-established tanks. Most specimens available in the aquarium trade are wild-caught or farm-raised.
Tank mates
See all 6Similar bottom-dwelling habits and peaceful nature make them compatible
Both are bottom feeders with similar water parameter requirements
Mid-water swimmers that avoid competition with bottom-dwelling loaches
Small size may trigger predatory behavior; use only in larger groups
Similar habitat preferences and compatible temperament
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Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Bacterial Infection, Parasitic Infection
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects
Raise temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), use ich medication, perform daily water changes
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases
Improve water quality, perform 25% water changes daily, use antibacterial medication if severe
Bacterial Infection
Lesions on body, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, lethargy
Isolate affected fish, improve water conditions, use broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, visible parasites, weight loss, clamped fins
Use anti-parasitic medication, increase water changes, maintain optimal water parameters
Legality
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).
At a glance
- Size
- 5 in13 cm
- Min tank
- 75 gal284 L
- Group
- 3+
- Temp
- 75–82°F24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 89–214 ppm5–12 dGH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 8-10 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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