Angelicus Botia Loach

[i3k]

Does anyone know if Angelicus Botia Loach can do well in brackish water? or can they tolerate salt at all?

Thanks.

 

[madasafish]

Really doubt it. They're from clear South American streams. REALLY wouldn't try it... Not a wise idea with non-brackish species, probably even worse with species that doesn't have scales.

I have two. Though if you look them up on Fishbase.org, you probably won't find them... I think they're actually called Gangetic Loaches (Botia rostrata).

I add aquarium salt for stress relief, but that's a very small amount-1 tablespoon per 10 gallons.

 

[i3k]

I add 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons to make my water brackish. For now I have the botias in another tank in fresh water, but I was just wondering if they would do ok in brackish water. Well thanks for the advise.

 

[madasafish]

hmmm... 1 tbspn per 5 gallons isn't very salty--that might work. But I'm the cautious type. If it's not a brackish species, I wouldn't put it in a brackish tank.

 

[Allivymar]

Out of curiousity, why do you have a brackish tank; ie:what kind of fish are living in there? I agree with madasa; 1 tbsp per 5g isn't brackish. If its a true brackish fish in there, salt levels of 1.005-1.012 (depending on the fish) are more appropriate. I know 7.6 grams of salt per gallon equals about 1.002 sg, so it would take more then a tbsp per 5g to kick the levels up high enough to be truly brackish.

Loaches can tolerate a low level of salt for short periods of time, but I wouldn't suggest making it a regular thing with them as they are truly freshwater fish. Theres some more info about them on loaches.com if you're interested: http://www.loaches.com/species_pages/botia_sp_myanmar.html