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Chinese Zebra LoachChinese Zebra Sucker, Zebra Hillstream Loach Family: Balitoridae
If you hear someone speak of a 'Butterfly' loach, they could very well be talking about the Chinese Zebra Loach. It has some awesome fins when they are all spread out, thus its butterfly affinity!The fins of the Chinese Zebra Loach are very large with the dorsal fin resembling a sail when it is up. Along with this, it sports a most unique and attractive patterning over its light gold to brownish body. Starting with small dark spots from the head back the pectoral fins, then turning into dark fairly evenly spaced bands across the body, it finally changes into an almost checkerboard pattern on the tail. This is a gorgeous loach. These are Hillstream Loaches, meaning they come from cool fast-moving streams. They will do best in a cooler "river" type aquarium kept with good water movement, subdued lighting, and regular water changes. Provide a fine gravel or sand substrate that does not have sharp edges. Be sure to provide plenty of hiding and resting places created with round river type rocks and driftwood. A moderate amount of plants can be a nice addition but leave a large open area for swimming. The Chinese Zebra Loaches are good community fish. They are peaceful and do best with other non-aggressive tankmates.They also enjoy the company of their own species and are best kept in a group of five to seven, with the suggested minimum being three. For more Information on keeping this fish see:
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Since they are omnivorous, the Chinese Zebra Loach will generally eat all kinds of live foods, sinking pelleted and tablet foods, flakes, and algae. They like frozen foods as well. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake or tablet food everyday. Feed mosquito larvae, brine shrimp (either live or frozen), tubifex, daphnia, and some vegetable foods such as algae wafers.
This fish will do well in a larger aquarium (ideally 30 gallons or so) with good water movement, subdued lighting, and places for retreat such as rocks, caves, and roots. They do best in soft to medium, slightly acidic water with frequent water changes of about 10% a week. The substrate can to be sand or small gravel that does not have sharp edges.
Distribution:
The Chinese Zebra Loaches are found in China.
Size - Weight:
These fish can reach up to 2 1/2 - 3 1/2" (6.25 - 9
cm).
Social Behaviors:
A good community fish, they are gentle and peaceful. They
will do well with non-aggressive tank mates as well as enjoy other members
of their own species. It is recommended that they be kept in groups of
at least 3, with larger groups of five to seven being recommended.
Sexual Differences:
Unknown
Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
These fish are mostly bottom dwellers.
Acceptable Water Conditions:
Hardness: to 2 - 12° dH
Ph: 6.5 - 7.0
Temp: 68 - 75° F (22 - 24° C)
Breeding/Reproduction:
They are not yet bred commercially.
Availability:
The Chinese Zebra Loach is occasionally available.
Comments from people who have kept this fish:
Author: Clarice Brough. CFS.
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