Polka Dot Loach

Botia kubotai

Polka Dot Loach is a bottom-to-middle swimmer.

Semi-AggressiveBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 12 cm (≤ 4.7 in)
Aquarium size: 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 23–27 °C
pH: 6.5–7
GH: 1–10 dGH
KH: 2–6 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–27 °C, pH 6.5–7, GH 1–10 dGH, KH 2–6 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Polka Dot Loach needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

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

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

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Thailand, Myanmar.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

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 ≤ 15 cm (≤ 5.9 in) 23–27 °C Blue Botia Yasuhikotakia modesta Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 18 cm (≤ 7.1 in) 22–30 °C Blue Spotted Hill Trout Barilius bakeri Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 15 cm (≤ 5.9 in) 17–26 °C Blue Scraper Cichlid Neochromis omnicaeruleus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 12 cm (≤ 4.7 in) 23–27 °C Agassiz’s Apistogramma Apistogramma agassizii Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 7.5 cm (≤ 3 in) 22–29 °C Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 7 cm (≤ 2.8 in) 22–29 °C

FAQ

How large does Polka Dot Loach get?

Polka Dot Loach reaches ≤ 12 cm (≤ 4.7 in).

What aquarium size does Polka Dot Loach need?

Use an aquarium of at least 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length.

Is Polka Dot Loach peaceful?

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

What temperature is suitable for Polka Dot Loach?

Keep it between 23 to 27 °C.