All fish / Botiidae

Ladder Loach

Botia rostrata

Also known as gangetic loach, twin-banded loach, ladder botia, rostrata loach, botia rostrata, necktie loach, ボティア・ロストラータ, 长吻沙鳅

A slim loach with a pale gold to cream body crossed by a complex ladder-like pattern of dark bars and loops. It is kept for its striking markings, lively group behaviour and usefulness in controlling small snails.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

120 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, small snails and vegetables

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brahmaputra and Ganges basins in India, Bangladesh and Bhutan

Breeding

Not bred in home aquariums; trade stock comes from wild collection or hormone-induced farm spawning.

Good to know

Needs well-oxygenated, clean water with soft sand and plenty of hiding places; it squabbles with its own kind and may nip slow, long-finned fish. Often confused with Botia almorhae and Botia kubotai.