Splendid Loach (Yasuhikotakia splendida)

The Splendid Loach is a stunning rare jewel of the aquarium trade. These fish are relatively active and feisty, which may make them unsuitable for a peaceful community aquarium depending on the other inhabitants they are to be housed with. As with many Botiid species, these loaches require the company of their own kind.

It would be best if you kept these fish in a group of five or more individuals as Splendid Loaches will form a natural hierarchy with the dominant individuals taking charge of their subordinates. Keeping them in much larger groups will help spread the aggression so that no single individual will suffer the brunt of another's hostility.

Sound appears to be an essential factor in communication because these Loaches can produce somewhat loud clicking sounds, increasing in volume when the fish are excited. The behavioural elements of this spectacle remain vastly unstudied; however, the sounds are assumed to be produced by grinding the subocular spines or pharyngeal teeth.

Ideal tankmates for Splendid Loaches could include other rowdy Loach species or medium to large, fast-moving fish like Barbs, Devarios, Rasboras, and Danios. You can also keep these fish with Garras, algae eaters such as the silver flying fox and the True flying fox, and you can also keep them with most Catfish. However, you should avoid housing these Loaches with slow-moving or long-finned species.

The ideal aquarium setup for Splendid Loaches could include a sandy or fine gravelled substrate with rocks, driftwood or aquarium ornaments to provide plenty of cover for your Loaches as these fish are inquisitive and take pleasure in exploring their surroundings. However, it would be best to avoid decor with sharp edges or tiny holes as these Loaches love to squeeze themselves into small gaps, and you don't want them getting hurt or stuck. Additionally, they will need to be provided with plenty of coverage and hiding places as these fish are somewhat shy compared to other botia species.

Splendid Loaches are intolerant to the build-up of waste and require clean water to thrive; therefore, you should never introduce them to a biologically immature aquarium, and you should perform weekly water changes. Lastly, the aquarium will need a tight-fitting lid as this species is an excellent jumper.

The Splendid Loach has a silvery-blue body colour with a greenish-gold sheen along its back. These Loaches have dark markings that form an unbroken ring around their caudal peduncle which is bordered posteriorly and anteriorly by intact pale rings. In addition, these fish have yellow anal, dorsal and caudal fins and somewhat large, dark, round, oval or oblong-shaped spots on their caudal fin. Their dorsal fin possesses a prominent black stripe on the top edge. These fish are somewhat similar in appearance to the Skunk botia but are larger, far more colourful and visually attractive.

Splendid Loach (Yasuhikotakia splendida) Video

Splendid Loach - Yasuhikotakia Splendida Rare Freshwater Botia Loach Aquarium Fish Profile

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Feeding

In the home aquarium, the Splendid Loach will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.

Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.

It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.

This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.