Ladder Loach

The ladder loach is recognized by the paired dark lines on its pale yellowish-green body, which join with short bands to form a ladder-like pattern. Adults reach 10–12 cm. Dominant individuals temporarily darken during fights and feeding.

Its wild populations are under pressure from dams, pollution and overcollection; it is assessed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN list. A significant share of the fish sold under this name in the trade is thought to be a closely related, as yet undescribed species from the upper Brahmaputra; their care is the same.

It lives in northern India and Bangladesh, in the lower Ganges and the middle and lower Brahmaputra. It prefers flowing river branches with a sand and gravel bottom.

• Volume: at least 200 liters and 120 cm of length for a group of 5–6.
• Water: 21–26°C, pH 6–7.5. It also adapts to the cooler end; a 30% water change every week.
• Flow: Moderate flow and plenty of oxygen.
• Decor: Roots, rounded stones, caves; it likes to rest in narrow gaps.
• Substrate: Fine sand or rounded gravel; sharp gravel wears down its barbels and belly.
• Lid: A tight lid is essential.

An omnivore leaning toward meaty foods. Offer sinking granules and tablets, frozen bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp and blanched vegetables. It eats snails, but it should not be expected to solve a snail infestation on its own.

It finds food on the bottom very quickly. If it is kept with slow-eating bottom dwellers such as corydoras, the food should be spread over several spots in the tank and part of it given just before the lights go out.

Peaceful and social. Its active nature can scare very small fish. When kept in small numbers it may become withdrawn or start harassing others.

Good companions: rasboras, danios, barbs, medium-sized tetras, other medium-sized botias.

Avoid: snails, shrimp, slow long-finned fish, timid nano species.

At least 5–6, ideally 10 or more individuals. Ladder loaches rest together, chase each other and constantly renew the pecking order within the group. One or two individuals both become stressed and pester their tankmates more. The sex ratio is not important.

There are no reliable records of it being bred in the aquarium. Because the wild populations are weak, buying from responsible sources is recommended.

• White spot: The most common problem for botias; new fish should be quarantined.
• Medication sensitivity: It has small scales; start medication at half the dose.
• Barbel erosion: Seen in dirty water and on sharp substrate.

Mature females are plumper with a rounded snout. Males have a longer snout and fleshier lips.