Zebra Loach care guide
Zebra Loach (Botia striata) — minimum tank 80 L, temperature 21-26 °C, pH 6-7.5.
Overview
The Zebra Loach (Botia striata) is a small botiid loach endemic to the Western Ghats of southern India. It is recognised by a series of narrow vertical bars over a brown-cream ground colour that recall a zebra pattern.
Taxonomy
- Family: Botiidae
- Genus: Botia
- Scientific name: Botia striata
Habitat
Native to clear, well-oxygenated forested streams of the Krishna and Cauvery river systems in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with rocky substrates and dense submerged wood.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (21.1 US gal)
- Adult size: 7-10 cm
- Temperature: 21-26 °C (70-79 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
- School size: ≥4 individuals
Diet
An omnivore. Offer sinking pellets, granules and a variety of small live or frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp). The species also takes snails and can help control pest snail populations.
Compatibility
A peaceful, social bottom-dweller that should be kept in groups of at least four to express natural behaviour. Suitable tankmates include similarly active cyprinids, larger tetras and other peaceful loaches.
Breeding
Captive breeding is rarely reported. The species is captive-bred commercially using hormonal induction in commercial hatcheries.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Endangered. Wild populations are threatened by habitat loss, pollution and over-collection for the aquarium trade.