Blue Botia (Yasuhikotakia modesta)

Family: Cobitidae

Blue Botia — a Cobitidae freshwater fish. Reaches 18.8–27.5 cm; keep at 26–30 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
26–30 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–12 dGH
Adult length
18.8–27.5 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful bottom-dweller

Species overview

Yasuhikotakia modesta of the family Cobitidae is an aquarium-kept Cobitidae. Peaceful bottom-dweller and omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking foods, it grows to 18.8–27.5 cm and prefers 26–30 °C water. Other Yasuhikotakia species in our database include Yasuhikotakia morleti, Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki.

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 Blue Botia easy to keep?

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

What temperature and water chemistry does Blue Botia need?

Aim for 26–30 °C. Room temperature stable range; 26–30 °C recorded range.

How big does Blue Botia get, and what tank size?

Expect 18.8–27.5 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 500 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Blue Botia eat?

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

Can Blue Botia 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 Blue Botia come from?

Its habitat is sandy stretches of slow rivers — gentle current, tolerates moderate oxygen levels.

How does Blue Botia breed?

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