Emperor Loach

Botia udomritthiruji

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

PeacefulBottom dwellerKeep in a loose group of 6+Beginner – Intermediate

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

Need help with Emperor Loach?

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

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: 1–8 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group 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 1–8 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Emperor Loach is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Snail safe: No

Swimming zone and behavior

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

Feeding

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

Provide sinking insect-based/omnivore food with live/frozen supplementation; expect snail predation and vigorous competition at feeding.

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: Myanmar.

Important notes

Social loach: group hierarchy is necessary; minimum and recommended counts differ.
May nip long fins and eat snails; cannot certify a peaceful all-purpose community.
Requires mature, oxygen-rich water and a tightly covered aquarium.

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 ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°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) 68–81°F (20–27°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) African Freshwater Pipefish Enneacampus ansorgii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Adolfos Catfish Hoplisoma adolfoi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°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 loose group of 6+.