The article in brief
The botia clown, an interesting freshwater fish, needs special care and plenty of space to flourish.
- Impressive adult size between 20 and 35 cm on average, sometimes up to 50 cm
- Rapid growth up to 15 cm, then slowdown
- Exceptional longevity 20 to 25 years
- Need a large aquarium (500-600 litres minimum) and a group of 5-6 individuals
- Captive breeding very difficultan endangered species in its natural habitat
Ah, the botia clown! This captivating fish has always intrigued me, ever since I started keeping fish. Today, I'm going to talk to you about its adult size and the care it requires. Having been a keen aquarist for over 15 years, I've had the chance to observe the evolution of these magnificent creatures at close quarters.
Characteristics of the adult botia clown
Le botia clownChromobotia macracanthus is a freshwater fish native to Indonesia. I've always been impressed by its imposing adult size. In fact, the adult size of botia clown can vary considerably:
- Average size: between 20 and 30 cm
- Maximum size: up to 30-35 cm
- Exceptional cases: some specimens reach 45-50 cm in the wild
I still remember my surprise when I first saw an adult botia clown in a large public aquarium. It was impressive! The largest specimen I saw measured 305 mm and weighed 469 grams. Believe me, that's quite a size for an aquarium fish!
Growth of the botia clown
The growth of these fish is rather unusual. They grow rapidly up to around 15 cm, after which growth slows considerably. It takes several years for a botia clown to reach its final size. It's a bit like our teenagers who go through their growth spurt and then suddenly stop!
Life expectancy
What has always fascinated me about the botia clown is its exceptional longevity. With a life expectancy of 20 to 25 years, these fish can become real life companions. I've known aquarists to see their botias grow up at the same time as their children!
Aquarium habitat and maintenance
Keeping clown botias in an aquarium requires a certain amount of commitment. These fish have specific needs that must be respected to ensure their well-being. Here's what I've learned over the years:
Ideal living conditions
Clown botias are gregarious fish. They need to live in a group of at least 5 or 6 individuals to thrive. I've seen aquariums where solitary botias were stressed and unhappy. Believe me, it's a distressing sight. To accommodate a group, you need a large aquarium, ideally between 500 and 600 litres minimum.
| Parameter | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| pH | 6,5 – 7,2 |
| Temperature | 24 - 30°C |
| Type of water | Sweet |
Food and behaviour
Clown botias are omnivorous fish with carnivorous tendencies. In the wild, they feed mainly on small invertebrates. In the aquarium, I recommend a varied diet including live food, frozen food and quality pellets. Their active, playful behaviour is a real pleasure to watch. I sometimes spend hours in front of my aquarium, fascinated by their interactions.
If you're looking for an original planter companion for your botias, take a look at the pangio kuhlii fish. Although smaller, it shares certain characteristics with the botia clown and can cohabit harmoniously.
Challenges and ethical considerations
Despite their popularity in aquariums, clown botias face major challenges, both in captivity and in their natural habitat.
Captive breeding
One of the biggest challenges with clown botias is breeding them in captivity. This is extremely difficult, if not almost impossible in a domestic aquarium. This difficulty raises ethical questions about the sustainability of their trade in aquariums.
Threats in the wild
Unfortunately, the species is overexploited for aquarium purposes and is threatened in its natural habitat. As an animal lover, this is of great concern to me. It's essential to ensure that the fish we buy come from sustainable and ethical sources.
If you are interested in aquarium fish that reproduce more easily in captivity, I recommend that you find out more about theancistrus and its adult size. It's an interesting alternative that poses fewer ethical problems.
Final thoughts on the botia clown
The botia clown is a captivating fish, with its impressive size and unique behaviour. Nevertheless, keeping them requires thought and commitment. If you decide to take them in, make sure you have the space and resources you need to give them a fulfilling life. Let's not forget that our role as aquarists is first and foremost to look after the well-being of these magnificent creatures.
Ultimately, whether you choose to keep clown botias or other species, the important thing is to do so in a responsible and informed manner. That's how we can continue to enjoy the beauty of aquarium keeping while preserving the biodiversity of our aquatic ecosystems.
External sources :
wiki aquaculture
wiki fish farming
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