Bengal Loach

Botia dario

Bengal Loach is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

PeacefulBottom dwellerKeep in a loose group of 6+Intermediate

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

Need help with Bengal Loach?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm)
Aquarium size: 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 73–79°F (23–26°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 1–10 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–26 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 1–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Bengal Loach is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Offers invertebrates and prepared foods including vegetables; preys on aquatic snails, but is not an obligate snail specialist.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 6+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: India Bangladesh Bhutan.

Similar fish profiles

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

Blue Botia Yasuhikotakia modesta Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Barred Bichir Polypterus delhezi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 75–86°F (24–30°C) Armoured Stickleback Indostomus paradoxus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) African Freshwater Pipefish Enneacampus ansorgii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Arulius Barb Dawkinsia tambraparniei Similar care level Same temperament Similar size Intermediate ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C)

FAQ

How large does Bengal Loach get?

Bengal Loach reaches ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm).

What aquarium size does Bengal Loach need?

Use an aquarium of at least 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Bengal Loach peaceful?

Yes. Bengal Loach is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Bengal Loach?

Keep it between 23 to 26 °C.

Should Bengal Loach be kept alone or in a group?

Bengal Loach: Keep in a loose group of 6+.