What size tank do polka-dot loaches need?
At least 64 gallons (243 liters) for a group of 5. The smallest standard tank that works is the 65 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Botia kubotai.
How many polka-dot loaches in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if polka-dot loaches are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many polka-dot loaches |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | Too small |
| 40 gallon breeder | Too small |
| 55 gallon | Too small |
| 75 gallon | 5 |
| 125 gallon | up to 9 |
Check polka-dot loaches against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 5. Alone or in twos and threes, polka-dot loaches hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
- This is a jumper. Use a lid with no gaps.
Tank mates for polka-dot loaches
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
Poor matches
- Neon tetra: Polka-dot loach (about 6 in) can eat neon tetra (about 1.4 in).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as polka-dot loach.
- Molly: They need different water: Polka-dot loach likes a pH of 6–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank do polka-dot loaches need?
At least 64 gallons (243 liters) for a group of 5. The smallest standard tank that works is the 65 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many polka-dot loaches should be kept together?
At least 5. Polka-dot loaches are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can polka-dot loaches live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Polka-dot loach needs at least 64 gallons (243 liters), and grows to 6 in (15 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.
What temperature do polka-dot loaches need?
72–82 °F (22–28 °C), with a pH of 6–7.5. In most homes that means a heater.
Can polka-dot loaches live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 64 gallons (243 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
- Hoplo catfish
- Striped Raphael catfish
- Skunk loach
- Lake Kutubu rainbowfish
- Red rainbowfish
- Forktail blue-eye
- All 150 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.