Chain Link Loach

NOTE: The Fish and Wildlife Department is currently reviewing this fish for sustainable practice in countries overseas that catch and ship this species. AquariumFish.com will hold importing of the chain link loach until we get their review.

The chain link loach, also called the monkey loach, is a playful addition to the fish tank. Two of these loaches will appear to play hide-and-seek and chase each other throughout the aquarium. The chain link loach is hardy and, despite its small size, will live a very long time. Chain link loaches are nearly extinct in the wild due to damming operations, so the trade is keeping this rare species viable through select breeding programs.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Botia loaches are active bottom dwellers. Give a group plenty of caves, driftwood and rockwork to claim, a soft sand or smooth gravel bottom and good filtration. Keep a lid on the tank.

Feeding: Feed sinking pellets or wafers once or twice a day so food reaches the bottom. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Botia loaches also eat pest snails.

Tankmates: They do well with most community fish of similar size, such as barbs, danios, rasboras, gouramis and larger tetras. They will eat snails and may eat small shrimp.

Good to know: Botia loaches "click" when they feed or squabble, and they sometimes rest on their sides, which is normal behavior.