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Maximum size : 10 cm
Zebra Loach - Botia striata : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Zebra Loach (Botia striata) is an excellent freshwater fish that is only really suitable for aquarists with experience as they have no scales and require pristine water conditions. However, they are stunning, peaceful, active, and non-aggressive. These loaches will help maintain your tank by eating algae and organic matter that accumulates over time and they will also eat snails, making them ideal for snail control. Maintaining groups of 5 or more Zebra Loaches in the community aquarium is recommended, as these fish are social creatures that thrive in the presence of others of their own kind. For their wellbeing, it is best to keep them on a fine sandy substrate that protects the delicate sensory barbel area of this bottom-dwelling species. Hiding places, such as bogwood, caves, and plants, should be provided to help them feel secure in their environment. Additionally, clean, well-aerated water is a must to support the health and vitality of these striking fish. One of the smaller species of the Botia family, The head of this Loach is round with three pairs of barbells that grace the snout, one maxillary set, and two rostral pairs. Young individuals have a red nose that fades as they mature. Zebra Loaches are prominently marked with vertical stripes, giving them their common name. The lines on their head slant backwards, while the bars in the mid-portion slant forward and those near the tail are almost vertical. These stripes vary in width, from narrow to thick, sometimes dividing up in such a way as to give the appearance of a maze. This Loach is striped over the whole body; this includes the head and fins, but not the abdomen, which is cream-coloured and free of any patterns or stripes. The colour of the lines alters, from pale yellow to deep brown to grey, and may even take on a blue or greenish tone. Their fins have some stripes on them as well, but these are different than that of the body. Their fins are semi-translucent, so the lines you see are black. They tend to be thicker on the pectoral and caudal fins, and thinner on the dorsal fin. They sport a forked caudal fin, and a half-fan dorsal fin and the ventral and pectoral fins are relatively wide with a decent surface area.Zebra Loach Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
External sexual dimorphism is not apparent in the Zebra Loach. However, discerning aquarists may notice that mature females have a slightly more rounded abdominal region compared to males.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Botia striata |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1920 |
| Other Names | Candy Stripe Loach, Crossbanded Loach, Lined Loach, Striped Loach, Tiger Loach, Zebra Botia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Botiidae |
| Genus | Botia |
| Origins | India Bangladesh |
| Max Size | 10 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 8 - 12 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 12 |
| KH | |
| TDS |
| ℉ | 70 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 21.1 - 26.1 |
