Pakistani Loach

Pakistani Loach - A Bold, Snail-Hunting Botia for Larger Community Tanks

The Pakistani Loach (Botia almorhae) is a striking, banded loach with a confident, inquisitive personality, well known among aquarists as one of the most efficient snail hunters available. It grows into a sizeable, robust fish that commands attention as it patrols the mid-to-lower levels of the tank.

This species has a semi-aggressive streak and does best kept in a small group among similarly robust tankmates that can hold their own. Being scaleless, it requires care with certain medications, and appreciates plenty of rockwork and hiding spots to establish its territory.

At N8 Aquatics, our fish are carefully raised and conditioned to ensure healthy stock suited to home aquariums.

Species Snapshot

• Size Sold: Juvenile, 4-6 cm
• Adult Size: 12-15 cm
• Tank Size: 150 L minimum, keep in a small group
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, an efficient snail eater
• Temperature: 23-27°C
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Difficulty: Moderate

Ideal Habitat and Care

Provide plenty of rockwork, caves and driftwood so this species can establish territory, and keep it in a small group within a spacious tank.

• Temperature: 23-27°C
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Water Flow: Moderate
• Maintenance: Regular water changes; avoid medications containing copper or similar scaleless-sensitive compounds

Diet

An omnivore/carnivore diet, this species is also a handy natural pest controller.

• Sinking pellets as a staple
• Frozen bloodworm for protein
• Snails as a natural treat and pest control

Compatibility

Semi-aggressive by nature, this species does best with other robust, similarly sized fish that won't be bullied.

Suitable tankmates include:

• Other robust mid-to-large community fish
• Larger barbs and rainbowfish
• Sturdy catfish species

Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Why Buy From N8 Aquatics

• Carefully raised aquarium fish
• Healthy, well-conditioned stock
• Strong genetics and vibrant colouration
• Breeder support if you have questions

Pickup Information

N8 Aquatics currently operates as a local pickup-only breeder in Central Queensland.

Orders are collected by appointment after purchase confirmation.

Please ensure you are able to collect your fish before placing an order.

Important

All livestock sold by N8 Aquatics should be introduced to fully cycled aquariums suitable for the species being kept.

Please ensure your aquarium setup and tankmates are appropriate before purchasing.