Pakistani loach (Botia lohachata)

Family: Cobitidae

Pakistani loach — a Cobitidae from the Philippines. Reaches 11.6–16.9 cm; keep at 24–30 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
24–30 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–12 dGH
Adult length
11.6–16.9 cm
Minimum tank
343 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful bottom-dweller
Origin
the Philippines

Species overview

Botia lohachata is a Cobitidae from the Philippines. In the wild it prefers sandy stretches of slow rivers; in the aquarium it stays peaceful bottom-dweller. Plan on 11.6–16.9 cm of adult fish at 24–30 °C. Related profiles: Botia almorhae, Botia dario, Botia histrionica.

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 Pakistani loach easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: peaceful bottom-dweller; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Pakistani loach need?

Set the heater to 24–30 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–8, GH 5–12 dGH suit it.

How big does Pakistani loach get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 11.6–16.9 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 343 litres.

What does Pakistani loach eat?

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

Can Pakistani loach live with other fish?

Peaceful bottom-dweller; loosely social; keep in small groups. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Pakistani loach come from?

Native to the Philippines, where it lives in sandy stretches of slow rivers. Gentle current; Tolerates moderate oxygen levels.

How does Pakistani loach breed?

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