Description

The Serpent Loach (Serpenticobitis octozona), is a nano-sized member of the loach/botia family indigenous to Laos. It is an exceptionally active and visually attractive species that is generally peaceful, especially when kept in groups of 6-8 or more in an amply-sized aquarium with plenty of cover and decor. Its small size also makes it ideal for the planted aquarium, where it will diligently seek out microinvertebrates and “pest snails” as prey, keeping nearly all of the planted tank “pest invertebrates” at bay or even on-existent.

The Serpent Loach is an omnivorous micropredator requiring a diet of meaty foods regularly supplemented with vegetable and possibly even a small amount of fruit matter. It will often accept high quality dry foods, but its diet should also include regular offerings of live/frozen meaty foods of invertebrate origin. This loach is native to shallow, oxygen rich waters that include terrain covered in biofilm and algae, so it also requires a supplementary amount of vegetable matter.