Description

Zebra Loach (Botia striata)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Botia striata

• Family: Botiidae

• Origin: India

• Size: 3 – 4 inches (7 – 10 cm)

• Lifespan: 8 – 12 years

• Tank Zone: Bottom dwellers

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 150 – 250 ppm

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5

• Temperature: 23 – 27°C (74 – 81°F)

• Hardness: 4 – 10 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Distinct vertical zebra-like stripes across the body.

• Peaceful and active, but shy when kept alone.

• Good at controlling pest snails in aquariums.

• Smaller and less aggressive than other loaches.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous.

• Diet: Sinking pellets, algae wafers, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, small snails, blanched veggies (zucchini, cucumber, spinach).

• Feeding: Once or twice daily in small amounts.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons.

• Filtration: Strong filtration with well-oxygenated water.

• Decor: Sand or smooth gravel substrate, caves, driftwood, live plants, and hiding spots.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: At least 5 (they are social and thrive in groups).

• Tank Mates: Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Danios, Guppies, other peaceful loaches.

• Avoid: Large aggressive Cichlids or fin-nippers.

✅ Do’s

• Keep them in groups for natural behavior.

• Provide hiding places and shaded areas.

• Feed a mixed diet with protein and veggies.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep them alone (they get stressed and shy).

• Don’t add them to uncycled or unstable tanks.

• Don’t house with aggressive tank mates.

⭐ Quick Tips

• One of the most peaceful loaches, great for community tanks.

• Excellent snail control in planted aquariums.

• Hardy, attractive, and beginner-friendly loach.