Blue Botia

Yasuhikotakia modesta

Blue Botia is a bottom-dwelling fish. Keep in a school of 5+.

Semi-AggressiveBottom dwellerKeep in a school of 5+Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Blue Botia?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 7.1" (≤ 18 cm)
Aquarium size: 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 72–86°F (22–30°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 8–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–30 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 8–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Blue Botia needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Keep in a school of 5+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 5+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Blue Botia should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Keep in a school of 5+.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Dolphin Cichlid Cyrtocara moorii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Blackfin Pearl Killifish Austrolebias nigripinnis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 63–73°F (17–23°C) Bengal Loach Botia dario Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Blue Panda Apistogramma Apistogramma panduro Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C) Blue Scraper Cichlid Neochromis omnicaeruleus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 4.7" (≤ 12 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Blue Botia get?

Blue Botia reaches ≤ 7.1" (≤ 18 cm).

What aquarium size does Blue Botia need?

Use an aquarium of at least 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.

Is Blue Botia peaceful?

Blue Botia needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Blue Botia?

Keep it between 22 to 30 °C.

Should Blue Botia be kept alone or in a group?

Blue Botia: Keep in a school of 5+.