Queen Loach
The queen loach, or Botia dario, is a beautiful addition to the fish tank. These loaches inhabit the floor of the aquarium and scavenge for food. In the aquatic world, even queens have to scavenge.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Botia dario |
|---|---|
| Origin | India, Bangladesh and Bhutan |
| Care Level | Easy to moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful to semi-aggressive (squabbles with its own kind) |
| Adult Size | Up to 4–6″ |
| Lifespan | 8–15 years |
| Diet | Omnivore (bottom feeder; eats snails) |
FAQ
What is the ideal tank size for a queen loach?
A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a single queen loach, with larger tanks preferred for groups.
Are queen loaches compatible with other fish?
They are generally peaceful but may become semi-aggressive when kept in groups. Avoid housing with very active or aggressive species.
How often should I feed my queen loach?
Feed once or twice daily in small amounts. They are bottom feeders and enjoy a varied diet including sinking pellets and snails.
Austin Sanderson –
The queen loach is a striking fish with a calm demeanor. It spends most of its time near the tank bottom, eating snails and small food particles. Easy to care for and adds a nice visual element to the tank. I’ve kept it for over a year and it’s still active and healthy.
Claire Edmunds –
It’s a beautiful fish that fits well in a community tank. I noticed it gets slightly territorial when kept with more than one, so I now keep it alone. Feeding it a mix of sinking food and snails keeps it happy and active.
Chloe Peters –
I bought this loach for my 30-gallon tank. It’s very easy to care for and doesn’t stress other fish. It’s active during the day and enjoys scavenging. The size is manageable and it looks great in the tank.