All fish / Botiidae

Zebra Loach

Botia striata

Also known as zebra botia, striped loach, candy stripe loach, banded loach, thomson's loach, zebra loach botia, ปลาหมูม้าลาย, ボティア・ストリアータ, botia zebra, 斑马沙鳅, 斑马鼠

A small loach with a pale yellowish to greenish body crossed by many thin dark brown stripes, giving a striking zebra look. It stays smaller and calmer than most botiids, so it suits a well kept community tank with fine sand and plenty of hiding places.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

8 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

110 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, bloodworm, brine shrimp, small snails and vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Western Ghats, India (Maharashtra and Karnataka)

Breeding

It has very rarely bred in home aquariums, and almost all fish sold come from farms that use hormones or from wild collection. Spawning in captivity is considered very difficult.

Good to know

Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List owing to habitat loss and collection, so captive bred stock is preferable. It eats snails and needs clean, well oxygenated water, as it is sensitive to poor conditions.