What the heck is a Pakistan loach?

P

Paul

AC Members
Jan 21, 2003
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Natick, MA
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I found two descriptions of Pakistan loaches (botia lohachata) that seem contradictory. The first, on Aquaria Central, describes a fish whose maximum size is 3 inches:

http://www.aquariacentral.com/species/db.cgi?db=fresh&uid=default&ID=0480&view_records=1

The second, on Fish Index, describes a fish whose maximum size is 6-8 inches:

http://species.fishindex.com/species_3222botia_lohachata_pakistani_loach.html

The pictures on the two sites are different as well. Which one is correct? I have a fish that resembles the one on Fish Index.
 
I'm no expert...but I do have this loach...it is also sometimes referred to as a yo-yo loach as the markings will often look as though the letters yo yo are repeated along the length of the fish.

I've had mine for 2.5 years...and it is over 3"...perhaps 4" at this point to the tip of the tail.

I don't know how much tank size plays on a fishes ultimate growth rate, but this fish has been in a 6 gallon tank since I bought him over 2.5 years ago.

Up until a few weeks ago, he had a two tankmates, glassfish, which he would chase constantly...he tends to be aggressive, and unless I get a substantially larger tank, I will not introduce any other fish...even loaches, even though most people suggest keeping them in groups of three or more to combat any aggressive tendancies.
 
Pakistan loaches are yo-yo loaches, white when young, then turn into a white-brown-greenish color. or so im guessing.
lohachata1.jpg
IMAG0000.JPG


if i am wrong im guessing the bottom to be the pakistan loach
 
I've had mine for nearly 3 years and it still looks like the loach in the top picture...not sure if it will ever look like the bottom picture.
 
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