Yasuhikotakia Modesta

Datasheet

General Description

The Redtail Loach, scientifically known as Yasuhikotakia Modesta, is a member of the Botiidae family within the Cypriniformes order. This species is characterized by its deep-bodied and compact shape, showcasing a bluish base body coloration with blue/green sheen. It is often confused with Y. lecontei, which can be distinguished by body shape and color patterns including continuous dark caudal peduncle markings.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for the Redtail Loach involves providing a well-structured environment with options for natural-style decor, such as sand or fine gravel substrate, water-worn rocks, driftwood, and plants like Java Fern or Java Moss. Ensuring adequate hiding spots and cover is vital, as these loaches are curious explorers. Water conditions should remain stable, well-oxygenated, and free of organic waste accumulation to support their thriving nature.

Behaviour

Redtail Loaches exhibit mild temperaments but sporadic phases of aggression, especially towards fish with trailing finnage. They live harmoniously in groups and maintain complex social hierarchies. Interestingly, they showcase unique behaviors like "greying out" during dominance battles and "shadowing" younger individuals mimicking older fish. This species produces clicking sounds, engages in the "loachy dance," and may rest in peculiar positions like vertical wedging.

Feeding and Diet

Primarily carnivorous, Yasuhikotakia Modesta also consumes vegetative matter and prefers a varied diet. In captivity, they feed on quality dried foods, live or frozen bloodworms, and fresh fruits and vegetables. These loaches may also prey on aquatic snails but should not be solely relied upon for snail infestations. Offering homemade gelatin-bound foods enriched with natural ingredients is beneficial for their nutritional needs.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Commercially farmed for the hobby, Redtail Loaches are typically seasonal, migratory spawners in the wild. Breeding reports in private aquaria are scarce due to their migratory spawning patterns. Sexually mature females are fuller-bodied and slightly larger than males. The species undertakes upstream migrations triggered by water level changes for spawning purposes, dispersing eggs and fry into flooded areas to complete initial development stages.

Habitat and Distribution

Natively found across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam in the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins, Redtail Loaches prefer flowing waters with submerged structures for refuge during the day. They exhibit seasonal migrations, adapting to various habitat types based on water levels throughout the year. Often collected for the aquarium trade, specimens originate from locations like the Songkhram River, a Mekong tributary in northeastern Thailand.