Yasuhikotakia Lecontei

Datasheet

Behaviour

Yasuhikotakia spp., including Yasuhikotakia Lecontei, are known for their mild temperament compared to some congeners. They are best kept with active, pelagic cyprinids and suitable tankmates include Devario, Rasbora, Puntius, and some Danio spp. In terms of bottom-dwellers, they coexist peacefully with Botia and Syncrossus spp. Members of Epalzeorhynchos, Crossocheilus, Garra, and many catfishes are also compatible tankmates. These loaches are gregarious, forming complex social hierarchies, and should be maintained in groups of at least 5 or 6 specimens. When kept singly, they may become withdrawn or aggressive towards similarly-shaped fishes. They require regular contact with conspecifics, displaying various behavioral rituals in aquaria.

Feeding and Diet

Yasuhikotakia Lecontei are primarily carnivorous but will also consume vegetative matter if available. Their diet consists mainly of aquatic molluscs and benthic invertebrates. In captivity, they should be offered a varied diet including quality dried products, live or frozen bloodworm, Tubifex, Artemia, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Chopped earthworms can be added sparingly for protein. These loaches are bold feeders and tend to rise into midwater during feeding.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

There are no reports of breeding Yasuhikotakia Lecontei in private aquaria. In the wild, spawning occurs at the onset of the wet season, with juveniles dispersing into perennial channels as they mature. Sexually mature females are fuller-bodied and slightly larger than males.

Habitat and Distribution

Yasuhikotakia Lecontei is native to the middle and lower Mekong basins in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, as well as the Chao Phraya and Mae Klong drainages in Thailand. These loaches inhabit bottom depths of flowing rivers, foraging under cover of darkness and daylight hours concealed among rocks or submerged objects.

Aquarium Setup

For optimal care of Yasuhikotakia Lecontei, a well-structured aquarium setup is essential. They require plenty of cover, exploration spaces, and a tightly-fitting cover due to occasional jumping behavior. Maintain water parameters within a pH range of 6.0-8.0, hardness of 36-215ppm, and temperature between 23-28°C. Regular water changes and mature, stable aquarium conditions are key to their well-being. An assortment of decorations including rocks, wood, and plants like Java Fern or Java Moss can be included in the setup.

Distribution

Yasuhikotakia Lecontei was first described in Khemmarat, Ubon Ratchathani province, eastern Thailand, near the Mekong River. They have since been collected in various locations across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, as well as in the Chao Phraya and Mae Klong drainages in Thailand.