Zebra Loach

Overview

• The Zebra Loach (Botia striata) is a small botiid with fine yellow and dark stripes.
• Native to the Western Ghats region of southern India, described from the Tunga River.
• Grows to about 3.5 in (9 cm) standard length.
• Probably the best Botia for general community tanks.

Feeding

• Mainly carnivorous: snails, insect larvae and worms. It may also eat soft plants.
• Offer sinking foods plus live and frozen foods. [UNVERIFIED]

Habitat

• A tank with a base of 48 × 12 in (120 × 30 cm).
• Sand or fine gravel, smooth rocks, roots and caves.
• Water: 70–79°F (21–26°C), pH 6.0–7.5, GH 1–10.

Fish Care

• Prefers clean, well-oxygenated water. [UNVERIFIED]

Compatibility

• Peaceful.
• Avoid much smaller fish and slow, long-finned fish such as bettas and guppies, whose fins may be nipped.

Aquarium Behavior

• Sociable. [UNVERIFIED] Keep a group of at least 5.

Breeding

• Not bred in home aquariums. Farmed commercially using hormones.