Bengal Loach - Queen Loaches - Scarf Botia

Bengal Loach is also called as Queen Loach. Its scientific name is Scarf Botia. Its majestic and grand look gets its name as Queesn Loach. Bengal Loach is basically found in Indian rivers and Bangladesh Streams.The Botia dario has slanted and rounded head, and is 8 to 10 marking around the body.

 

Scientific Name	Scarf Botia
Common Name	Bengal Loach
Family	Cobitidae
Species	Dario
Experience Level	Intermediate
Size of  Bengal Loach	6cm - 15cm
Minimum Tank Size	30gal (135liters)
Temperament	Peaceful
Recommended pH range	6.5 - 7.5
Temperature	23°C - 28 °C (73°F - 83°F)
Water Hardness(dGH)	8°N - 12°N (142.86ppm - 214.29ppm)
Life Span	5 - 8 years
Substrate Type	Sand/Gravel Mix
Lighting Needs	Low Lighting
Fish Swims	Bottom Levels

Bengal loaches are a social fish so do better in small groups. The substrate should be rounded gravel or fine sand to protect their barbel. Like most scale less fish they are prone to white spot so the keeper needs to be observant when housing this species. Hiding places should be added to the tank to prevent shyness and once settled in they should be active all of the time. 

 Foods and Feeding 

 Bengal loach generally eat all kinds of live foods, frozen foods, flake and pellets. Feed brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, tubifex, daphnia, and some vegetable foods such as algae wafers. It is also good to feed then cucumber, melons and blanched spinach. Queen loaches will also eat snails. 

Sexing 

 There are no visible differences between the Male Bengal Loach and Female; it is believed that the females may be plumper when become adult, but yet to be proven. Breeding Bengal Loach will breed in wild but there are no reported cases of Bengal Loach breeding in the aquarium. Wild like setup in aquarium may help the queen loach to breed make a try.