Dwarf striped botia

The pygmy striped loach or Vietnamese striped char, scientific name Yunnanilus Cruciatus, belongs to the Nemacheilidae (charter) family. The fish got its name because of the characteristic body pattern and rather small size. This is one of the smallest charrs that can be found in home aquariums.

Habitat

Originally from East Asia, it is found on the territory of the South-Eastern regions of China and the provinces of Vietnam bordering it. They inhabit areas of rivers with a slow flow, swamps, lakes. It prefers to be in shallow water in the bottom layer near thickets of plants.

Description

Adult individuals reach a length of about 3–4 cm. The main distinguishing feature of the species is the rows of black vertical stripes, which are crossed by a wider dark stripe (not always clearly visible), stretching along the lateral line. Fins and tail translucent colorless.

Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed. Females, unlike males, are somewhat larger and look somewhat rounded in the abdomen.

Behavior and Compatibility

Peace-loving modest fish, needs the company of relatives, so it is worth buying in groups of 8-10 individuals.

Any large and overly mobile fish can intimidate the Pygmy Striped Fighter. As neighbors in the aquarium, it is necessary to consider species of comparable size, such as Rasboras, Danios, Cardinals, small characins, etc.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 80 liters.
• Temperature – 22-27°C
• Value pH — 6.0–7.5
• Water hardness – mostly soft (2-12 dGH)
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – subdued
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – light or moderate
• The size of the fish is 3–4 cm.
• Nutrition – any food containing plant components
• Temperament – peaceful
• Keeping in a group of 8-10 individuals

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The optimal size of an aquarium for a flock of Vietnamese striped charrs starts at 80 liters. The decoration uses a large number of plants and other natural decor, such as driftwood, leaves and bark of some trees.

It is important to provide good aeration and prevent the accumulation of organic waste (feed residues, excrement). Clean water is easy to maintain if you equip the aquarium with a productive filtration system and carry out mandatory weekly maintenance.

Food

They accept various popular feeds in live, frozen and dry form. It is recommended that the feed contains herbal ingredients in its composition.

Breeding / breeding

Considered easy to breed. In a balanced aquarium ecosystem, fry will appear regularly.

Dwarf striped botsia lays eggs among thickets of plants. The fish do not show parental care for the offspring, so the survival rate of fry in the general aquarium will not be high.

If you plan to keep the brood, then the juveniles will need to be caught in a timely manner and relocated to a separate tank. Feed with specialized powdered food, brine shrimp nauplii, etc.