Honeycomb Loach

About

Occasionally showing up in the trade as the honeycomb loach, Leptobotia taeniops is a Chinese river species that remains genuinely rare in the hobby despite being one of the more manageable members of its genus. It comes in a range of color forms, from plain brownish fish to individuals with a reticulated pink or patterned appearance, so two specimens from different importers can look quite different from one another. This is a gregarious species that needs to be kept in groups. Three or four at minimum. Lone specimens tend to withdraw or turn cranky toward fish of similar body shape, and in small groups the dominant fish can bully subordinates badly enough to suppress their appetite. Given enough companions, they form complex social hierarchies and are generally lively, active fish. That energy is worth keeping in mind when choosing tankmates: slow-moving or long-finned species are not good fits, and anything noticeably smaller may feel overwhelmed. Robust, open-water cyprinids and similarly-sized loaches make the most sensible companions. One practical note. Like other botiids, this species carries retractable spines below the eyes that can catch in nets or scratch a hand, so extra care during maintenance is wise.