Yasuhikotakia modesta – Redtail Botia
Yasuhikotakia modesta or Blue Botia is mostly gray. However, this color can change to blue or green in certain circumstances. You may also find this fish in other colors in the pet store. However, do not be tempted to buy it because of the beautiful colors because these fish are most likely treated with dye, which does not benefit the fish.
The fins of the Yasuhikotakia modesta are transparent except for the tail fin. This is yellowish or red. The Redtail Botia can also reach a considerable size. No less than 24 centimeters. It is a fish with a long body that is somewhat flatter at the bottom so that it can easily move over the bottom to search for food. For this it uses its barbels on its mouth.
The difference between male and female is difficult to see. It is said that females are slightly larger and plumper than males.
Synonyms: Botia modesta, Botia rubripinnis.
The Aquarium
Because the Yasuhikotakia modesta grows quite large, a large tank is required. Think of at least one and a half meters. Because these fish are mainly active at dusk and at night, they like to have a place to hide during the day. You can create this using driftwood, stones and half coconuts.
The Redtail Botia finds its food mainly on the bottom with the help of its beard hairs. A soft sandy bottom is necessary so that they can dig around nicely. Furthermore, they like it when the tank is somewhat planted, this also offers hiding places. Make sure that the plants are well fixed otherwise the fish can dig the plants loose when they are looking for food.
Character
When this fish is kept without conspecifics, it can be aggressive towards other types of fish. Make sure you keep them with at least six. If that is the case, you can keep the Blue Botia together with other types of fish. Preferably not with other bottom dwellers because then you create food competition.
Aggression between males is possible but can easily be prevented by providing sufficient hiding places for each fish. A weekly water change is much appreciated.
Diet
Originally, the Yasuhikotakia modesta is a carnivore. However, if there is vegetation nearby, it will also eat it. These can be aquarium plants with soft leaves, for example. Furthermore, the fish eat almost everything. Make sure that the fish get a varied diet. So both dry food, frozen food, live food, vegetables, and fruit such as cucumber or courgette.
A problem can be getting a new Blue Botia used to the food. The wild-caught fish has a hard time getting used to the replacement food. Therefore, make sure there is an extra choice in the menu.
Breeding Yasuhikotakia modesta – Redtail Botia
Unfortunately, little is known about the breeding of the Yasuhikotakia modesta. Hormones are used in commercial breeding. Furthermore, it is mainly wild-caught.
Video
Author
Kevin
Copyright images
Andy Gordon – fishtanksandponds.co.uk (original website no longer online)
