the burmese border loach, angelicus loach or polka dot loach, "botia kubotai", is a recently described species that has quickly become a popular tropical fish for freshwater aquariums. in 2002, fish collectors working in western thailand began to expand their search into myanmar (burma) area from the three pagodas pass thai-myanmar border to look for new fish for the aquarium trade. this is one of several species discovered and explains the origin of the fish's common name: burmese border loach. its specific epithet honors katsuma kubota of an aquarium export company in thailand who first purchased the catch and sent them out for identification.