Botia dario

Bengal loach
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Cypriniformes
Family:	Botiidae[2]
Genus:	Botia
Species:	B. dario
Binomial name
Botia dario (F. Hamilton, 1822)

The Bengal loach, or queen loach (Botia dario) is a species of fish in the loach family Botiidae found in the Brahmaputra and Ganges basins in Bangladesh, Bhutan and north India.^[3] The species is overall common in widespread.^[1]

In Bangladesh, these fish are threatened by pesticide used in the cultivation of rice. Since 1997, the Bangladesh government has enforced strict penalties against polluters, with specific rules about the pollution of streams and waterways, so at least some preservation work is afoot.

In Bangladesh, B. dario can be found in the creeks and streams of the northern and eastern regions of the country (bordering India and Myanmar, respectively). The fish most likely populates the streams that supply the Bengal section of the Ganges river. B. dario is also reported in Bhutan, but only in the Gaylegphug river, which eventually drains into the far north of Bangladesh.

In the aquarium

Botia Dario are good fish to have in tropical aquariums, quickly taking care of pest snail populations and less shy than Botia striata. They get as long as 6" and should be kept in groups of 4 or more. They are omnivores, and thus should be fed sinking pellets as well as algae wafers. They also enjoy fresh vegetables, such as cucumber, zucchini, and frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Also, make sure to provide plenty of caves for hiding in.

References