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Zebra LoachCandy-stripe Loach, Striped Loach, Thin Line LoachFamily: Cobitidae Botia striataPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David BroughLatest Reader Comment - See More I just purchased a loach about a week ago, the first day he/she pretty much stayed to itself and in one place. I woke up the next morning and realized the loach had... (more) Joe The Zebra Loach is a handsome shoaling fish that makes a lively addition to an aquarium!Zebra Loach Contents The Zebra Loach Botia striata is a lively and attractively patterned fish. At first sight this loach appears to have lots of vertical bands, but basically it has about nine (very broad) dark bluish-green bands set on a yellowish green body. The bands have whitish lines inside that are generally straight, but sometimes can be broken or branched. These white lines lend to the many striped appearance. Due to its distinctive appearance it is also called a Candy-stripe Loach, Striped Loach, Candy Loach, and Thin Line Loach. These are hardy, smaller sized loaches that can make a great choice for the beginner. They are not overly picky about foods and have no special demands on water conditions. As juveniles they will eat just about anything that is edible, though as adults they can get a bit more finicky. They are naturally nocturnal, but once they've become acclimated they will spend a good deal of time out and about during the day. They enjoy a planted tank with open areas to swim and places to hide or retreat to among rocks or wood. These are some of the more peaceful Botias. Yet they are active fish that like to frolic with the company of their own kind as well as other non-aggressive loaches. They do best in a school of five or more, and can become withdrawn or more aggressive if kept singly. Keeping them in a pair or a smaller group of three are also not good choices. In groups that are too small, the dominant fish will get very aggressive towards the other, constantly harassing them and keeping them from feeding. Though generally quite peaceful with their tank mates Zebra Loaches have been known to nip occasionally, usually it is just among themselves. They will also munch on snails and are good for snail control. The Zebra Loach is a very long lived, durable, and undemanding fish. For Information on keeping freshwater fish, see: |
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Care and feeding: Since they are omnivorous, the Zebra Loach is not a picky eater and 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 and brine shrimp (either live or frozen), tubifex, daphnia, and some vegetable foods such as algae wafers. They will also eat snails, so are good for snail control.
This fish prefers a fair sized aquarium (20 gallons or more) with plants, open areas to swim, and places for retreat such as rocks, caves, and roots. Also use subdued lighting. They do best in softer water with frequent water changes of about 10% a week. Because they are constantly scavenging for tidbits in the substrate, use a fine gravel or sand that does not have sharp edges. Be sure to provide hardy plants with the roots protected and have decorations firmly placed on the glass bottom so they don't fall over. Plastic tubes also make safe and excellent hiding places.
Distribution: The Zebra Loach Botia striata are found from Mysore in southern India, from still or slow moving waters. Other common names they are known by include Candy-stripe Loach, Striped Loach, Thinline Loach, Striata Botia Loach, Thinline Loach, and Candystripe loach.
The Zebra Loach has a yellowish green body with about nine (very broad) dark bluish-green bands. These bands have whitish lines inside that are generally straight, but sometimes can be broken or branched. Its fins and tail are translucent with the tail having bands of brown spots. There are four pairs of barbels by the mouth.
Size - Weight: These fish can reach from 3 1/2 - 4 inches (8 -10 cm), though often a bit smaller in the aquarium.
Social Behaviors: A good community fish, they get along well with other loaches and tank mates that are non-aggressive. They enjoy the company of their own species and it is recommended that they be kept in small groups of at least 3, though a larger group is preferable.
They are quite active and have been reported to occasionally nip the fins of their tank mates, though usually their squabbling is just between themselves. They are naturally nocturnal but will become quite active during the day once they become acclimated. Good for snail control! Lively and fun to watch.
Sexual Differences: Unknown though a gravid female will be rounder.
Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom: These fish are mostly bottom dwellers, but will spend some time in the middle of the aquarium.
Acceptable Water Conditions: Hardness: soft to medium, ranging from 5 - 12 dH
Ph: 6.5-7.5
Temp: 73-79° F (23-26° C)
Breeding/Reproduction: Not much is known about the breeding habits of the Zebra Loach and they are not yet bred commercially.
Availability: The Zebra Loach is usually readily available.
- Animal-World References: Freshwater Fish and Plants
- Dr. Rüdiger Riehl and Hans A. Baensch, Aquarium Atlas Vol. 1, Publisher Hans A. Baensch, 1991
- Dr. R{uuml}diger Riehl and Hans A. Baensch, Aquarium Atlas Vol. 4 , Mergus Verlag (June 30, 2004)
- Mark in Vancouver, Zebra Loach (Botia striata), Loaches Online, 2009
- Botia striata (Narayan Rao, 1920) Zebra loach, Fishbase.org
- Bratz Walker, Sharks and Loaches, T.F.H. Publications, Inc., 1974
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