The Red Tail Botia (Botia modesta) is a vibrant and active freshwater fish species that adds color and personality to any aquarium. With its striking red tail and engaging behavior, it is a popular choice among aquarists. Here's what you need to know about the Red Tail Botia:

• Appearance: The Red Tail Botia features a sleek and elongated body with a distinctive red tail, hence its name. The rest of its body is typically adorned with yellow or orange markings, creating a visually appealing contrast. It can grow up to 7 cm (2.8 inches) in length, making it a suitable choice for medium-sized aquariums.

• Water Conditions: Red Tail Botias thrive in well-maintained aquariums with stable water parameters. Keep the temperature between 24-30°C (75-86°F) and maintain a pH level around 6.5-7.5. They prefer soft to moderately hard water, so regular water changes and proper filtration are essential.

• Tank Setup: Provide a spacious aquarium with plenty of hiding places like caves, driftwood, and rocks. The Red Tail Botia appreciates a sandy substrate and open swimming spaces. Live plants can be added, but be aware that they may uproot plants during their active foraging behavior.

• Tank Mates: Red Tail Botias are generally peaceful but can be territorial towards their own species. They can coexist with other similarly sized community fish, such as tetras, gouramis, and peaceful cichlids. Avoid housing them with aggressive or fin-nipping species. Keeping them in groups of at least five individuals will help promote their natural behavior.

• Feeding: Red Tail Botias are omnivorous and have a hearty appetite. Offer them a varied diet consisting of high-quality sinking pellets, wafers, frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small invertebrates. They also enjoy nibbling on blanched vegetables like zucchini or cucumber. Feed them once or twice a day, providing an amount they can consume within a few minutes.

• Behavior and Care: Red Tail Botias are active and social fish known for their playful nature. They are excellent scavengers and will actively search for food throughout the tank. These fish appreciate having hiding spots to retreat to when they feel the need. Maintain good water quality by performing regular water changes and monitor ammonia and nitrate levels.

• Compatibility: Red Tail Botias can sometimes display territorial behavior, particularly during feeding. It is best to keep them in groups to help disperse any aggression and provide a more natural social environment. Avoid keeping them with very small or delicate fish species that may become targets of their playful chasing behavior.

• Lifespan: With proper care, Red Tail Botias can live for 8-10 years or even longer. A well-maintained aquarium with suitable tank mates, a varied and balanced diet, and a comfortable environment will contribute to their overall health and longevity.

The Red Tail Botia is a captivating and active fish that brings both color and entertainment to your aquarium. By providing them with appropriate tank conditions and care, you can enjoy their vibrant appearance and observe their engaging behavior in your own aquatic setup.