Emperor Loach

Botia udomritthiruji

Emperor Loach is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Keep in a school of 6+.

PeacefulBottom dwellerKeep in a school of 6+Beginner – Intermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm)
Aquarium size
64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level
Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Bottom dweller
Temperature
73–82°F (23–28°C)
pH
6–7.5
GH
2–10 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 8 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – 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 23–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 2–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Emperor Loach is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 6+.

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 6+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Emperor Loach 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 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Keep in a school of 6+.
  • Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Myanmar.

Similar fish profiles

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

Bengal Loach Botia dario Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°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) Apollo’s Leporinus Leporinus apollo Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C) Asian Bumblebee Catfish Pseudomystus siamensis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Banjo Catfish Bunocephalus coracoideus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Blue Botia Yasuhikotakia modesta Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 7.1" (≤ 18 cm) 72–86°F (22–30°C)

FAQ

How large does Emperor Loach get?

Emperor Loach reaches ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm).

What aquarium size does Emperor Loach need?

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

Is Emperor Loach peaceful?

Yes. Emperor 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 Emperor Loach?

Keep it between 23 to 28 °C.

Should Emperor Loach be kept alone or in a group?

Emperor Loach: Keep in a school of 6+.

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