Botia histrionica
Botia histrionica was first described in 1860 by Edward Blyth. The common name for Botia histrionica is “Burmese Loach” or “Golden Zebra Loach”.
The etymology of the genus name Botia is not fully explained, but it is probably a local name in India, possibly derived from “balli-potiah,” an Assamese name for another Indian loach, Paracanthocobitis botia.
The species name histrionica comes from Latin and means “harlequin-like,” probably referring to the fish’s “very remarkable beauty,” consisting of black bands across the body.
Description
Botia histrionica has a relatively short and stocky body with a rounded head and a short nose. The head and sides of the fish are yellowish with five broad black bands that sometimes split and may disappear on the lower half of the body as the fish ages. The juveniles have a golden sheen that fades as they age, with the light-colored parts changing to a light gray.
The fish has a thin black line that runs through the eye and a smaller line from the eye to the mouth. The fins also have specific markings: they are yellowish. The dorsal fin has a broad black band that is interrupted in the middle, and the pectoral, ventral and anal fins have two black bands. The caudal fin has two broad bands and a black tip on each fin lobe.
This fish species can reach a maximum length of about 11 to 13 centimeters.
Differences between Males and Females
Adult females are usually fuller in the abdomen than males, while males have an elongated snout with thicker lips.
Differences between Juveniles and Adults
Juveniles have a golden glow and five solid dark bands on their flanks. This golden glow disappears as they grow older, and the light parts of their bodies change to a light gray color.
In adults, the black bands on the body may split and form irregular vertical markings. The golden glow disappears and is replaced by a more gray color.
One feature that can help you distinguish young of this species from Botia rostrata and Botia almorhae young is the thin black line that runs through the eye and the smaller line that runs from the eye to the mouth.
Behavior and Temperament
Botia histrionica is a very active and social fish species that can often be seen during the day. They are peaceful and can live well with other fish species. They live in schools and should be kept in groups of at least five. They are not shy and often swim in open water.
In general, they are peaceful, but they can become aggressive if kept alone or in too small a group.
Life expectancy
In an aquarium, they can reach an age of 8 to 10 years.
When can Botia histrionica turn completely gray and why?
Botia histrionica can turn completely gray during dominance fights. This phenomenon, known as “graying out,” occurs when the fish lose their body patterns and color during fights for dominance within the group. This usually occurs when the fish are introduced to a new aquarium or when new individuals are added to an existing group. Botia histrionica are social fish that live in groups and form complex social hierarchies. They require regular contact with their kind, and the lack of this can lead to stress and aggression.
The fish can also turn grey when stressed. This can happen when kept alone or in too small a group, which can lead to aggressive behavior and stress.
Preorbital Spine: Definition and Use by Botia histrionica
A preorbital spine, also called a suborbital spine, is a sharp, movable bone located under the eye of certain fish species. This spine is normally hidden in a fold of skin, but can be extended when the fish feels threatened or stressed.
Use by Botia histrionica:
Botia histrionica uses the preorbital spine as a defense mechanism. When the fish is stressed, for example when it is taken out of the water or when it is being harassed by other fish, it can extend this spine. This can deter potential predators and helps the fish to protect itself. The spine can also be used during intra-species dominance fights, where the spine can be deployed to injure or deter rivals.
The use of this spine during stressful situations and dominance fights is a crucial part of the behavior and survival of this species. So be careful when taking this species out of the water. The spine can get caught in a net or injure your fingers!
Biotope
Botia histrionica is found in India, Myanmar and Nepal. They are specific to the Salween Basin.
These fish are river fish and live in clear mountain streams. They are often found in relatively slow-flowing sections of forest-shaded, oxygen-rich headwaters with clear water.
The natural habitat of Botia histrionica consists of a mixed sandy and rocky bottom with much submerged driftwood and leaf litter. The edges of the water are often covered with trees, which provides shady conditions. There is relatively little submerged vegetation, but plants such as Java fern, Java moss and Anubias spp. can grow in such conditions.
Bottom/Substrate:
The bottom or substrate consists of sand or fine gravel, with plenty of smooth, water-worn rocks and pebbles, as well as driftwood roots and branches.
Diet
They are not picky eaters. They will happily take all types of food: flakes, tablets, fresh (blanched) vegetables, artemia, tubifex, etc. etc.
The Aquarium
Because they need to be kept in a school and they reach a length of 11 centimeters, an aquarium of at least one meter wide is needed. As the school grows larger, a larger aquarium is of course also needed.
Botia histrionica likes very clean and oxygenated water. Regular water changes are therefore essential. In nature, fish have to deal with fluctuating temperatures. Keeping fish at the minimum or maximum temperature for a long time is not always desirable and can shorten the average lifespan of the animals.
On the bottom of the aquarium, it is best to use sand. This does not damage their barbels and they like to dig in the sand. Most Botias often use hiding places. The histrionica is more often found in the open water. Many hiding places are therefore not necessary.
Breeding Botia histrionica in the Aquarium
Breeding Botia histrionica in the aquarium is not impossible, but it is challenging and rare. There are some reports of accidental breeding, but generally breeding this species in captivity is difficult and not often successfully accomplished without the aid of hormones.
In commercial fish farms in Southeast Asia, Botia histrionica is often bred using synthetic hormones such as WOVA-FH. This process involves injecting the fish with hormones to stimulate reproduction. Research has shown that a dose of 0.025 ml/fish of WOVA-FH is the most effective in inducing reproduction in Botia histrionica.
There are some reports of accidental breeding in aquariums, but these are rare and the exact conditions that lead to successful breeding are not well documented. This suggests that while natural breeding is possible, it is difficult to replicate without the right knowledge and conditions.
Conclusion
Botia histrionica, also known as the Golden Zebra Loach, is an active and social fish species that is well-suited to experienced aquarists. They require a large aquarium of at least 30 gallons (130 liters) with clean, oxygenated water and a substrate of sand or fine gravel to protect their barbels. Although peaceful, they can become aggressive if kept alone or in too small a group. Breeding this species in captivity is challenging and is usually achieved with the use of synthetic hormones. Their natural behavior, such as making clicking sounds and graying during dominance fights, makes them fascinating to observe.
Overall, they are a good choice for aquarists willing to meet their specific needs and can be a vibrant addition to a well-maintained aquarium.
Video
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
Mark Duffill
Emma Turner – Loaches.com
