Skunk loach
| Skunk loach | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cypriniformes |
| Family: | Botiidae |
| Genus: | Yasuhikotakia |
| Species: | Y. morleti |
| Binomial name | |
| Yasuhikotakia morleti (Tirant, 1885) | |
| Synonyms | |
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The skunk loach, skunk botia or Hora's loach (Yasuhikotakia morleti; syn. Botia morleti, Botia horae) is a species of botiid loach found in the Mekong River basin in Indochina, as well as the Chao Phraya and Mae Klong basins in Thailand.[1] The maximum size is 10 cm (4 in) and it occurs in water with parameters 26 - 30 °C (79 to 86 °F) temperature, pH 6.0 to 8.0, hardness 5.0 to 12.0. It feeds on live crustaceans, insects, snails and other invertebrates.
In the aquarium
Despite being seen frequently in the aquarium trade, skunk loach are very aggressive fish and not suitable for community aquarium tanks. Smaller fish and bottom feeders in the tank can be attacked or killed. Suitable tank mates for the skunk loach include larger cichlid species. Caves can be good hiding places.
See also
References
- Skunk loach on FishBase
- "Yasuhikotakia morleti". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 7 February 2007.
- Riehl R, Baensch HA (1996) Aquarium Atlas. Vol 1. pg: 368.
- 1 2 Allen, D.J. (2013). "Yasuhikotakia morleti". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.1. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 15 July 2014.