Pakistani char

Botia Almora or Pakistani char, scientific name Botia almorhae, belongs to the Cobitidae family. Under these names, several closely related species are supplied, for example, marbled Botsia, as well as several hybrids. They are considered unpretentious and hardy fish. With the right choice of neighbors can be used in community aquariums.

Habitat

It comes from Pakistan and Northern India. Found in the Indus River basin. Close relatives of this species are found in the basin of another large river – the Ganges. The habitat this time covers part of Nepal. They are found in the main channels of rivers and large tributaries in regions with rocky substrate and numerous shelters.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 200 liters.
• Temperature – 19-27°C
• Value pH — 5.5–7.5
• Water hardness – soft (2-12 dGH)
• Substrate type – sandy
• Lighting – subdued
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – moderate or weak
• The size of the fish is 14–16 cm.
• Nutrition – any drowning
• Temperament – conditionally peaceful
• Content in a group of at least 5 individuals

Description

Adult individuals reach a length of about 14–16 cm. Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed, it is problematic to distinguish a male from a female. The body pattern consists of a dark pattern of irregular shapes on a lighter background. The color of young fish is yellow-brown. With age, it becomes lighter, up to silver.

Food

They feed on small benthic insects and their larvae, crustaceans and other zooplankton. In the aquarium, sinking foods should be fed in combination with herbal supplements, for example, spirulina with dry flakes, granules or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, earthworm pieces, shellfish. It is allowed to use pieces of vegetables (spinach, zucchini, etc.)

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The volume of the aquarium for a group of 5 fish should start from 200 liters. Natural for Botsia Almora, the design includes sandy soil mixed with gravel and several large stones. Shelters in the form of snags, overgrown with aquatic mosses and ferns. In general, the fish is quite unpretentious, so the decor can be selected at your discretion.

Optimal housing conditions are achieved in conditions of moderate current, low light and high water quality. Since the fish come from flowing waters, they are intolerant of the accumulation of organic waste. A productive filtration system and weekly replacement of part of the water with fresh water (20-30% of the volume) are mandatory.

Behavior and Compatibility

They prefer to stay in large groups. A single Botsia Almora can be aggressive towards other tankmates. It is advisable to purchase at least 5 individuals of both sexes. Compatible with species of comparable size. It is worth avoiding joint keeping with small fish, as well as with representatives of ornamental bettas, guppies, cichlids, etc., which have long veil fins and a tail.

Fish diseases

Health problems arise only in case of injuries or when kept in unsuitable conditions, which depresses the immune system and, as a result, provokes the occurrence of any disease. In the event of the appearance of the first symptoms, first of all, it is necessary to check the water for the excess of certain indicators or the presence of dangerous concentrations of toxic substances (nitrites, nitrates, ammonium, etc.). If deviations are found, bring all values ​​back to normal and only then proceed with treatment. Read more about symptoms and treatments in the Aquarium Fish Diseases section.