All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.
When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.
ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra.
Pakistani Loach (Botia histrionica)
Description:
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Appearance:
- Body: Elongated and cylindrical with a smooth, flexible body.
- Color: Light brown to golden with dark, contrasting horizontal stripes and spots.
- Fins: High dorsal fin and long, flowing pectoral and pelvic fins.
- Size: Typically grows up to 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in length.
- Distinctive Feature: The distinctive banding pattern and high dorsal fin give it an attractive and unique appearance.
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Behavior:
- Activity: Active and playful, often seen exploring the substrate and interacting with tank mates.
- Social Structure: Social fish that should be kept in groups to thrive. They exhibit schooling behavior and prefer the company of their own kind.
Care Requirements:
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Tank Size:
- Minimum: 30 gallons (115 liters). Larger tanks are preferable to accommodate their active nature and provide ample swimming and hiding space.
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C). They prefer a warm and stable environment.
- pH: 6.0-7.5. They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
- Filtration: Efficient filtration is necessary to maintain water quality. Ensure the flow is not too strong, as they prefer moderate currents.
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Tank Setup:
- Substrate: Soft, fine substrate such as sand or smooth gravel. They like to dig and root around, so a non-abrasive substrate is best.
- Aquascaping: Provide hiding spots with rocks, driftwood, and live plants. They appreciate having places to hide and explore.
- Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient. They are not particularly sensitive to lighting but enjoy a dimly lit environment with plenty of cover.
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Diet:
- Primary Food: Omnivorous. Will eat a variety of foods including high-quality pellets, live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small invertebrates.
- Supplemental Food: Offer occasional treats like small insects or chopped vegetables. They also enjoy sinking pellets or wafers.
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Behavioral Considerations:
- Compatibility: Peaceful with other fish. Best kept with non-aggressive species.
- Social Behavior: Prefer to be in groups of at least 3-5 individuals. They feel more secure and exhibit more natural behaviors when in groups.
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Tank Maintenance:
- Water Changes: Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are essential to maintain water quality and remove waste.
- Cleaning: Clean the tank regularly, removing uneaten food and detritus. Maintain the filter and ensure it is not creating excessive current.
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Health Care:
- Observation: Monitor for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or visible symptoms like unusual coloration or lesions.
- Treatment: Maintain optimal water conditions and consult an aquarium professional if health issues arise. Common problems include skin infections, parasites, and fin rot.