Polka Dot Loach

Botia kubotai

Polka Dot Loach is a bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

Semi-AggressiveBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 6+Intermediate

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Need help with Polka Dot 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: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 2–10 dGH
KH: 2–6 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
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 24–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 2–10 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.

Provide varied sinking omnivore foods; snails may be eaten; ensure all loaches access food despite dominance.

Before adding this fish

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

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Thailand, 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 ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Argentine Humphead Gymnogeophagus balzanii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 7.9" (≤ 20 cm) 70–77°F (21–25°C) Blue Botia Yasuhikotakia modesta Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Blue Scraper Cichlid Neochromis omnicaeruleus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 4.7" (≤ 11.9 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 1.5" (≤ 3.9 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) American Flagfish Jordanella floridae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 64–75°F (18–24°C)

FAQ

How large does Polka Dot Loach get?

Polka Dot Loach reaches ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm).

What aquarium size does Polka Dot Loach need?

Use an aquarium of at least 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) 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 24 to 28 °C.

Should Polka Dot Loach be kept alone or in a group?

Polka Dot Loach: Keep in a loose group of 6+.