The Red Tailed Botia (scientific name: Yasuhikotakia modesta), also commonly known as the Blue Botia, is a striking freshwater fish popular in the aquarium hobby for its vibrant orange-to-red fins and bluish-grey body.
Key Characteristics
Appearance: They feature a fusiform, bluish-to-silver body with four pairs of barbels around the mouth. Young specimens may show narrow black bars that fade as they mature.
Size: While often sold around 2–4 inches, they can grow significantly larger, reaching up to 7–10 inches (18–25 cm) in captivity.
Lifespan: They typically live for 5 to 8 years.
Behavior: They are nocturnal and semi-aggressive scavengers. They are famous for being "snail eaters," often used to control pest snail populations in aquariums.
Aquarium Care Requirements
Tank Size: Due to their adult size and social nature, a minimum of 55–75 gallons is recommended for a group, though adults ideally require 180+ gallons.
Water Conditions:
Temperature: 24°C to 30°C.
pH: 6.0 to 8.0.
Environment: They require high oxygenation and strong water flow to mimic their native Southeast Asian river habitats.
Substrate: A soft sandy substrate is essential as they are bottom-dwellers that like to dig and burrow.
Social Needs: They must be kept in groups (ideally 5–8+). Keeping them solitary often leads to increased aggression or withdrawn behavior.
Diet & Compatibility
Diet: Omnivorous and greedy eaters. They accept sinking pellets, flakes, and frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp, as well as vegetables like cucumber.
Compatibility: Best housed with other semi-aggressive, large-bodied fish like barbs, larger rainbows, or South American cichlids. Avoid housing them with slow-moving fish or ornamental shrimp and snails, which they will likely eat.
SKU: RBM
