Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Polka-dot Loach
Botia kubotai Kottelat, 2004
Also called Burmese border loach, Angelicus loach, Botia 'angelicus', Marbled loach, Cloud botia
From The upper Salween basin on the Myanmar-Thailand border: the Ataran (Kasat) river in Kayin State, Myanmar, and the Suriya river in Tak Province, Thailand, including Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary.12
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Medium, slightly compressed botiid loach
A handsome mid-sized loach with a pointed snout, barbels and sharp movable spines under the eyes. Most stay around 10 cm in tanks though they can reach 15 cm. Females are fuller-bodied with rounder snouts; males have longer snouts and fleshier lips.12
Personality what they are like
Sociable and generally not aggressive. In a group they click, follow each other and join in the excited 'loachy dance'. A lone fish tends to become shy or grumpy.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active bottom dweller that forages through the substrate and darts between hiding places, becoming more visible and confident in a larger group.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Fit a tight lid because they can jump. Provide many caves and hiding places, soft sand or smooth gravel, and clean, well-oxygenated water.12
Home where they are happiest
A base of at least 120 x 45 cm. Temperature about 22 to 30 °C, pH about 6.0 to 7.5, hardness about 0 to 10 dGH.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mostly carnivorous. Feed sinking pellets, frozen or live bloodworm, blackworms and brine shrimp, plus some vegetables. They also eat small snails and shrimp.12
Company who they like around
Keep at least 5 or 6, ideally 10 or more. Peaceful cyprinids and other bottom dwellers make good companions.1
The story where it all began
This loach was found on the Thai-Myanmar border around 2002 and was sold in the hobby under names like 'angelicus' before scientists caught up. Maurice Kottelat formally described it in 2004 and named it after Katsuma Kubota, the Thai-based exporter who bought the first catch and sent fish off for identification.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It was available to aquarists before it had a scientific name, often sold as Botia 'angelicus'.1
- 2
It honours Katsuma Kubota, an aquarium fish exporter in Thailand who sent the first fish for identification.2
- 3
Its pattern changes a lot with age: juveniles are mostly black bars on yellow, while adults gain a spotted, marbled look.2
- 4
It has collected an unusually long list of trade names, from 'cloud botia' to 'leopard loach'.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Data Deficient (assessed March 2011)3
- Taxonomy
- Family Botiidae, part of the Botia histrionica group. Described by Maurice Kottelat in 2004 and named after Katsuma Kubota.1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Polka-dot Loach. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Polka-dot Loach?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. They are active foragers, so offer just enough that they finish in a few minutes.1 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Polka-dot Loach eat, and what should it never eat?
They are mostly carnivorous and enjoy sinking pellets, frozen or live bloodworm, blackworms, brine shrimp, and some vegetables. They also eat small snails and shrimp. Avoid any foods not designed for fish, and never feed them human food or large chunks that could cause choking.12
How much space does a Polka-dot Loach need?
A tank base of at least 120 x 45 cm is recommended for a group. They are active bottom dwellers that need room to forage and dart between hiding places.12
What temperature, light or water does a Polka-dot Loach need?
Keep water temperature between 22 and 30 °C, pH around 6.0 to 7.5, and hardness 0 to 10 dGH. Provide clean, well-oxygenated water with many caves and hiding spots, and use soft sand or smooth gravel.12
How often should I clean a Polka-dot Loach's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, along with weekly glass cleaning and water testing. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Polka-dot Loach live with others?
Yes, they are sociable and do best in groups of at least 5 or 6, ideally 10 or more. Peaceful cyprinids and other bottom dwellers make good companions.1
How long does a Polka-dot Loach live?
Their lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific longevity expectations, consult a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Polka-dot Loach?
It's best not to handle them as they have sharp movable spines under their eyes and can jump. Always use a net or container for moving them, and fit a tight lid on the tank.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Where this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Seriously Fish: Botia kubotai seriouslyfish.comused for names, origin, size, tank and water, diet, behaviour, colour change, taxonomy
- Wikipedia: Botia kubotai en.wikipedia.orgused for discovery, name origin, typical size, care
- FishBase: Botia kubotai summary fishbase.seused for length, IUCN status, colour description
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.