Un peu plus d'informations...

Yasuhikotakia modesta, also known as the Red Tailed Loach, is a freshwater loach native to mainland Southeast Asia. Its sturdy body, bluish fins, and red-orange tail create a highly distinctive appearance. Most active around dusk, it explores the bottom, rests in shelters, and benefits from the presence of its own kind. Successful care requires a spacious aquarium with strong filtration and plenty of hiding places. Its availability in aquarium stores is generally moderate, depending on the size offered and the season.

General species description

Yasuhikotakia modesta is a benthic loach from the family Botiidae, adapted to tropical rivers with changing flow conditions. It remains close to the substrate and alternates between exploring, resting, and feeding. This is a social species: keeping at least five individuals encourages more natural behavior and reduces shyness. It may produce audible clicking sounds, especially during feeding or social interactions. Although generally peaceful, it is lively and may bother very slow fish or species competing for the same shelters. A mature aquarium with stable, well-oxygenated water is best suited to this loach.

Geographical origin and biotope

Yasuhikotakia modesta comes from mainland Southeast Asia, especially the Mekong basin and several river systems in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Its habitat includes channels, rocky areas, and quieter sections near the banks. Water may become more turbid during the monsoon, while flow changes with the seasons. Tropical vegetation, roots, and submerged branches commonly line the banks. In an aquarium, effective filtration, moderate circulation, and well-oxygenated water recreate these conditions more successfully than stagnant water and an overly sparse layout.

Precise distribution and local name

The species is associated with the Mekong basin, as well as Thai river basins such as the Chao Phraya and Mae Klong. In the aquarium trade, it is mainly identified by the names Blue Botia, Redtail Botia, and Red Tailed Loach. Vernacular names may vary between regions and should not replace scientific identification. To avoid confusion with other colorful loaches, look for the combination of bluish coloration, red fins, and a sturdy body shape.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body of Yasuhikotakia modesta is elongated, deep, and slightly compressed from side to side. Its base color ranges from bluish gray to steel blue, while the fins are often dark blue to blackish and the caudal fin is distinctly red-orange. As in other loaches, the mouth is positioned underneath and surrounded by sensory barbels. A movable spine beneath each eye provides defense and can catch in a fish net. Adults reach a substantial size for a community aquarium, making a generous tank and sturdy, carefully selected décor important.

General diet

Yasuhikotakia modesta is an omnivore that benefits from a varied diet delivered near the bottom. Suitable foods include sinking tablets, bottom-feeding pellets, frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp, as well as small prey and some plant matter. Meals should be small enough for the entire group to consume promptly. Feeding after the lights have partly gone out suits its crepuscular activity. Hard or fibrous foods may help provide natural mouthpart wear, but they should not replace a balanced diet.

Essential data

• River of origin: Mekong River
• Local name used: Blue Botia; Redtail Botia
• Origin of the scientific name: The genus Yasuhikotakia honors Yasuhiko Takia; modesta is a Latin term meaning modest or restrained.
• Etymology of the full name: Yasuhikotakia is a generic name formed from the given name and surname of Yasuhiko Takia; modesta means modest in Latin.
• Common/vernacular names: Red Tailed Loach, Redtail Botia, Blue Botia
• Family: Botiidae
• Subfamily: Botiinae
• Name pronunciation: ya-soo-hee-koh-TAH-kee-ah - moh-DES-tah
• Discovery: Pieter Bleeker, 1864
• Maximum adult size: About 25 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 30 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.5
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Tropical rivers with rocky sections and quiet areas bordered by roots, branches, and streamside vegetation.
• Typical tankmates: Sturdy rasboras, larger danios, peaceful Asian barbs, and other midwater fish suited to warm water.
• Temperament and behavior: Social, active at dusk, generally peaceful but energetic; it may click its jaws and defend shelters.
• Water depth: Bottom areas in shallow to medium-depth sections.
• Sexual dimorphism: Adult females are often fuller-bodied; males may have a slimmer profile and a slightly more elongated tail.
• Bottom structure and flow: Fine gravel, sand, and rounded stones, with moderate to strong flow and good oxygenation.

In your aquarium

To succeed with Yasuhikotakia modesta, provide a long, spacious aquarium with smooth hiding places, a secure lid, and a substrate without sharp edges. Keep a group, maintain warm and stable water, and offer varied foods that reach the bottom. Regular water changes and strong oxygenation are essential. Avoid very slow or aggressive tankmates, and monitor competition around shelters. Under these conditions, this loach can become an active and engaging aquarium fish while preserving its natural social behavior.