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Freshwater fishRed Tail Loach
Red Tail Loach
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The red tail loach, or red tail modesta, has a bright red tail and a solid silver-blue body. These loaches grow quite quickly, but they are peaceful.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Yasuhikotakia modesta |
| Origin | Mekong basin (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam) |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive (territorial; can harass tankmates) |
| Adult Size | Up to 6–8" |
| Lifespan | 8–15 years |
| Diet | Omnivore (bottom feeder; eats snails) |
| Water Temperature | 75–82°F |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Group Size | Single or group |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 1–2" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Give them many caves, rocks and driftwood so each loach can claim its own spot, 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. They also eat pest snails.
Tankmates: Keep them with robust, fast fish of similar or larger size, such as barbs, danios, rainbowfish and semi-aggressive cichlids. Avoid slow, long-finned fish and other bottom dwellers that can't hold their own. They eat snails and shrimp.
Good to know: These loaches are bold and territorial; adding them last to an established tank with plenty of caves helps keep the peace.
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