Almorha Loach (Botia almorhae)

Family: Cobitidae

Almorha Loach — a Cobitidae from Central and North America. Reaches 11.6–17.1 cm; keep at 23–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
23–26 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–12 dGH
Adult length
11.6–17.1 cm
Minimum tank
351 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful bottom-dweller
Origin
Central and North America

Species overview

Botia almorhae is a Cobitidae from Central and North America. In the wild it prefers sandy stretches of slow rivers; in the aquarium it stays peaceful bottom-dweller. Plan on 11.6–17.1 cm of adult fish at 23–26 °C. Related profiles: Botia dario, Botia histrionica, Botia lohachata.

Native biotope

Habitat
Sandy stretches of slow rivers
Flow
Gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Tolerates moderate oxygen levels

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand for burrowing
Hardscape
Smooth stones and driftwood caves
Plants
Low-light tolerant plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Loosely social; keep in small groups
Diet
Omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females noticeably plumper when mature
Breeding method
Rare in home aquaria

Frequently asked questions

Is Almorha Loach easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful bottom-dweller; loosely social; keep in small groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does Almorha Loach need?

Aim for 23–26 °C. Room temperature stable range; 23.0–26.0 °C typical for the genus.

How big does Almorha Loach get, and what tank size?

Full size is 11.6–17.1 cm. Minimum tank: 351 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Almorha Loach eat?

Omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Almorha Loach live with other fish?

Peaceful bottom-dweller. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Almorha Loach come from?

Native to Central and North America, where it lives in sandy stretches of slow rivers. Gentle current; Tolerates moderate oxygen levels.

How does Almorha Loach breed?

In the aquarium: rare in home aquaria. Females noticeably plumper when mature.