Loaches Online Forum

I work in a petshop and about a month ago a Botia Rostrata was smuggled in with a shipment of pakistanis. I bought him and put him in my loach tank at home where he's been happy cruising around with the pakis ever since. I was told by a few fish shop owners (no one on here) that they were illegal in Australia but they didn't care that I had one. Anyway, today I went into Exotic Fish Aquarium in Brisbane just to have a nosey around and they had about 20 Botia Rostratas for sale for $15 each. I asked where they got them from and they said some guy in Sydney offered them to him so he took them. I had no money on me so couldn't buy any but am probably going to go back next pay day to get a few. Anyone in Brisbane, they are at Exotic Fish in Rocklea.
Anyway, just wanted to know; are these guys legal or not? The guy I went to Exotics with said that the store owners will take and sell anything, regardless of legality so I just want to clarify.

Hi,

The only thing I can find on google is a list of fish permitted for sale in Australia and Botia rostrata is not mentioned on it


Orginal document can be found at; http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/ar ... 11527.html Australia is near the bottom of the list (its a tiny tiny bit to long to post it on here ) hth

Ashleigh

Hey Jess, Finding some Rostrata's in Brisbane is great news. Thats an awesome price too. I will have to go over and have a nosey around myself.

Are you certain they are Rostrata? I am not sure how they got into Oz in the first place. I am not so good at identifying this specie. I find that they look very similar to other specie when they are young.

Do you really care if they are legal? I mean seriously? You don't have any bad intentions for them do you? They are just a pet. They would be better in your care than someone else's. Everything is fine just dont advertise the fact to the wrong people. OK?

I would love some myself but my water wont be mature for a while yet. Make sure you get some.

They're around for sure. Probably a mixup in shipping eh?

Hi Jess. Thanks for the tip it is FANTASTIC news. I will gladly take 5 off their hands. I will head up today. Thanks Graeme.

I'm sure they are Rostrata. I have one myself and, while these are just babies, I can tell from the head shape and patterns. Be careful though because they have a few yoyos in with them.
I have no problems buying them but can't get there til the weekend so leave me a few guys They didn't have all that many there!

i found a couple mixed in with yoyos at a local petstore for 6.50 so took the advantage straight away