View Full Version : skunk botia
chaibill
10-12-2006, 6:23 PM
how big do skunk botias get? keep in groups of how many do they eat snails
Dangerdoll
10-12-2006, 6:45 PM
they max out at 4.5 inches at the most and in my experience, the do very well in groups. They do like to chase each other though and can be nitpicky with each other. I had a group in a 55 gallon and would think that's a perfect sixe for them. I would think if there were just one, it may take his nit picking on other tank members.
YoFishboy
10-12-2006, 6:49 PM
They typically hit about 4 inches in captivity....they like to be in groups..they are a mid- to low- level aggression loach, yet they can hold their own....I had a trio in the past, but never had snails....however, they are referred to, along with clown loaches,as one of the better snail eating loaches. They are a nice active loach.
Best if kept in groups of 5 or more in a 30 gallon aquarium or larger.
fishcatch22
10-12-2006, 8:24 PM
IME most loaches do fine alone, skunks included, except of course for pygmy loaches. those definetly need groups. if you have the room to, you should get more than one, though. how big is this tank of yours, and what are the other occupants?
IME most loaches do fine alone, skunks included, except of course for pygmy loaches. those definetly need groups. if you have the room to, you should get more than one, though. how big is this tank of yours, and what are the other occupants?
Most Botias do not do fine alone!!! :mad2:
fishcatch22
10-12-2006, 8:31 PM
Most Botias do not do fine alone!!! :mad2:i've kept khuliis and skunks alone with no problems, and even clowns. no shyness or lethargy. it can be done, and notice I said it is better to keep them in groups, and that that is the best option.
i've kept khuliis and skunks alone with no problems, and even clowns. no shyness or lethargy. it can be done, and notice I said it is better to keep them in groups, and that that is the best option.
When most loaches are kept by themselves they will usually not reach normal size or live a full and healthy life. Since you no longer have these fish that can live for well over 20 years it would be hard for you to know this. That is why we should turn to experienced loach keepers for advice who have kept theirs successfully for years.
fishcatch22
10-12-2006, 8:57 PM
When most loaches are kept by themselves they will usually not reach normal size or live a full and healthy life. Since you no longer have these fish that can live for well over 20 years it would be hard for you to know this. That is why we should turn to experienced loach keepers for advice who have kept theirs successfully for years. I know that. well... they weren't mine technically mine.... they are fish that have been kept by my parents. the khulii lived for close to 18 years, we recived word of his death a few months ago, from the person who took over her 20g after we left florida. no word on the clown and skunk, they were kept by my father, but they were live and healthy last time I checked.
I'm sorry to hear that and it sounds like it had lived for a good amount of time. However social fish like loaches have a need to be kept their own kind and there seems to be no "good" reason not to keep them in groups.
svtcontour
10-12-2006, 9:14 PM
Can different loaches be kept together to form one big school? I only have one skunk botia and 4 clown loach. Would the skunk botia tend to school with them at all? I dont seem much of anything going on wth any of my fish because I have so much cover in the tank that I see only the boldest fish and thats about it.
fishcatch22
10-12-2006, 9:15 PM
I'm sorry to hear that and it sounds like it had lived a for a good amount of time. However social fish like loaches have a need to be kept their own kind and there seems to be no "good" reason not to keep them in groups.like i said, I think it is good to keep them in groups, and that that is the best option. and he actually did have a buddy, who is still alive, be my mother didn't get him until he had already lived alone for 5 years. he was always a fairly friendly fish, even before she got another one. she told me he always came out to greet her when she went up to the tank, and he was always he favorite fish.... his buddy was always shy.
fishcatch22
10-12-2006, 9:16 PM
Can different loaches be kept together to form one big school? I only have one skunk botia and 4 clown loach. Would the skunk botia tend to school with them at all? I dont seem much of anything going on wth any of my fish because I have so much cover in the tank that I see only the boldest fish and thats about it.like I said, it would be best for us to know the tank size, and all the other inhabitants.
It sounds like he was a great fish. :sad: My point is that since we know loaches do better in groups, then there is no reason for them to be kept by themselves.
fishcatch22
10-12-2006, 9:24 PM
It sounds like he was a great fish. :sad: My point is that since we know loaches do better in groups, then there is no reason for them to be kept by themselves.yes, there is a point, like if you want a loach and you only have room for one. but let's not hijack this thread. if you want to continue debating this, let's do it by PM.
:OT: Too late for that...now back to the topic.
fishorama
10-12-2006, 11:24 PM
Skunks were, IME, quite aggressive with ANY fish other than other skunks. I strongly suggest a species only tank.
Skunks were, IME, quite aggressive with ANY fish other than other skunks. I strongly suggest a species only tank.
I agree that skunk loaches are quite aggressive. If they are going to be kept in a community they should be in a 55+ gallon aquarium.