Botia Dario 6-7cm

Botia Dario – Vibrant, Playful, and Unique Loach for Your Aquarium

Introduce a splash of color and personality into your tank with the Botia Dario (Botia dario), a small yet striking loach species known for its vibrant hues and active nature. Native to South Asia, this captivating bottom-dweller is perfect for adding both beauty and function to your aquarium. With its bright orange-red body, black markings, and playful behavior, the Botia Dario is a true gem for both beginner and experienced aquarists alike.

A member of the Botia family, the Botia Dario is an energetic and inquisitive species, often seen darting around the tank, exploring its environment and interacting with other fish. Despite its small size, it is full of character and will engage in entertaining behaviors, including burrowing and scavenging for food.

While peaceful, Botia Dario is social and does best in groups of 3 or more, where it feels secure and exhibits its natural social behaviors. This loach also helps maintain a healthy tank environment by scavenging leftover food and detritus, contributing to cleaner water and a balanced ecosystem.

Key Features:

• Striking Appearance: Bright orange-red body with distinctive black markings, making it a colorful and eye-catching addition to your tank

• Active & Playful: Constantly on the move, foraging and exploring, adding dynamic movement to your aquarium

• Peaceful & Social: Ideal for community tanks when kept in small groups of 3 or more

• Efficient Scavenger: Helps maintain a clean tank by eating leftover food, detritus, and algae

Care Guidelines:

• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a small group (3 or more)

• Water Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

• pH Range: 6.5–7.5

• Diet: Omnivorous – enjoys sinking pellets, live or frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), and plant matter

• Lifespan: 5–8 years with proper care

Tip: While Botia Dario is peaceful, it can be a bit shy and may hide in caves or plants, especially when first introduced to the tank. Adding plenty of hiding spots, plants, and rocks will help them feel secure and encourage natural behaviors. A soft, sandy substrate is ideal for these loaches to root around and forage comfortably.

The Botia Dario is a fantastic choice for any freshwater aquarium, adding vibrant color, playful behavior, and efficient tank maintenance. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, this loach species will quickly become a favorite in your tank.