Controling Snails The Natural Way!

February 02, 2009
Eddies Aquarium

           Most if not all freshwater aquariums encounter an over population of snails that stay small and are considered a nuisance. There is a family of fish called the Cobitidae with a genus name of Botia that  are great fish in the community aquarium. There are about 6 fish in this group and all are great natural predators of the nusiance snails.

The Botia are usually collected in the wild in Asia, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Maximum size of most species is 5-6", they eat standard aquarium fare and easily acclimate to most tanks. Moderate hardness and a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 is suitable. Temperature should be between 72 and 80 degrees F. Most Botias prefer to be in schools.