V227's Berdmorei Loach

[V227]

Thought I'd post some pics of my Berdmorei Botia Loach (Syncrossus Berdmorei).
I would like to establish a colony of at least four or five of these uncommon, pretty Loaches. My first attempt failed. Unlike most Loaches, the Berdmorei' s don't play well with their own kind. This guy was the largest of seven. A few of the baby Berdmoreis fell victim to some aggressive cichlids. The rest were intimidated to the point of starvation by their pictured big brother.
If I'm lucky enough to locate another batch of these rare Botias for sale, I'll probably pay the extra bucks for some larger ones.
The Berdmorei loach is a great scavenger and very active. Once big enough it can hold it's own against most aquarium fish. My Berdmorei is not particularly aggressive towards its tankmates, which include Red Tail Botia Loaches, BN Plecos and various African and New World Cichlids. Most websites predict the Berdmorei adult growth to be approx. Ten inches. At the rate mine is growing, it might take ten years to reach that size.

 

[Delapool]

Very striking! A shame they don’t get on well - a group of loaches is always entertaining I find.

 

[V227]

Most websites advise keeping five or more together, but after buying them I found a site clearly explaining that unless provided enough territory the dominant Berdmorei will likely kill the rest.
Appropriate Tank size wasn't specified but mine is housed in a 120 long.
I like a challenge and plan on stocking a few larger Berdmoreis.
Why is it that only the cool, pretty fish cause such problems?

 

[Delapool]

Yeah, and here - most likely expensive to boot.

 

[cycle]

Great looking loach. I would love to see it when you have 5 full grown adults together.

 

[V227]

Thanks. The Berdmorei is not shy like most loaches, very active. They are just so uncommon, especially here in Oklahoma. No way to know when a group of them will come available again.