Zebra Loach

Botia striata

Native Tunga River, Southern India

Climate: Tropical

Maximum Size: 9cm

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Carnivore

Breeding: Never done in the home aquarium.

Temperature Range: 21-26℃ (69.8-78.8℉)

Preferred pH Range: 6.0-7.5

Minimum Aquarium Size: 200L (120cm X 40cm X 40cm)

Potential Tankmates: Gourami, larger Tetras and Plecos

Care Level: Easy

The Zebra Loach lives in India's fast-flowing streams and rivers of the Western Ghats, an area known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. These waters are typically clear to slightly turbid, characterized by a moderate to strong current, which plays a crucial role in the oxygenation of the water. The substrate in these habitats is often a mix of sand and gravel, dotted with abundant smooth rocks and pebbles that provide essential hiding spots for these shy fish. Overhead, the canopy formed by surrounding vegetation casts shadows onto the water, creating cooler areas and contributing to the organic matter that is part of the loach's natural diet. Submerged and marginal plants along the banks offer additional refuge and breeding grounds, enhancing the ecosystem's complexity.

For replicating the natural habitat of the Zebra Loach in a home aquarium, start with a substrate of fine sand mixed with gravel. Add smooth rocks, pebbles, and driftwood to simulate the aesthetics of their environment and provide hiding spaces. Plant fast-growing aquatic plants like Anubias and Java Fern can thrive under flowing river-like conditions. Ensure there's enough space for the loaches to swim freely at the bottom. Arrange the decor to simulate their dynamic environment, enhancing their well-being and natural behaviours in the aquarium.

Zebra Loaches in their natural habitat feed on small invertebrates, insect larvae, and detritus as they are bottom feeders. To replicate this diet in a home aquarium, it is recommended to provide them with a variety of high-quality foods that cater to their carnivorous tendencies. This can include sinking pellets or tablets formulated specifically for bottom dwellers, which should be the main component of their diet. Additionally, live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp should be offered to provide the necessary proteins and nutrients, closely mimicking their natural intake. It is also possible to offer occasional servings of blanched vegetables to add variety, but it is important to remember that their diet should mainly consist of protein-rich foods. It is important to ensure that the food reaches the bottom of the aquarium, allowing the Zebra Loaches to forage as they would in the wild. Offering these foods in moderation, ideally once or twice a day in amounts that they can consume within a few minutes, will help maintain water quality while satisfying their nutritional needs.

Breeding Zebra Loaches in captivity can be challenging, but the rewards are worth the effort. These fish have specific requirements and are known for their reclusive breeding behaviour. To achieve success, it's important to create an environment that closely mimics their natural habitat. This includes well-oxygenated water, a soft substrate, and plenty of hiding spots using rocks and plants. It's also important to feed them a rich diet of live and frozen foods to encourage spawning readiness.

One key trigger for initiating the breeding process is to mimic the seasonal changes of their native environment. This often involves changes in water temperature or simulating rainy conditions through increased water changes. When conditions are right, Zebra Loaches may spawn in secluded areas of the aquarium, laying eggs on the underside of leaves or in hidden crevices. The eggs and subsequent fry require careful attention, with the fry needing very fine, high-quality food after hatching.

Due to the rarity of successful captive breeding, any success at breeding Zebra Loaches would be regarded as an achievement and should be shared with the community.

Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy: In the unfortunate event that your fish arrives dead, please follow these steps: Within 12 hours of the delivery, take clear, unopened bag pictures showing the deceased fish. Send these photographs and your order number to our customer service email at [email protected] or to our Facebook page, and we will then offer a refund or store credit for the cost of the fish. 

Two-Week Guarantee Policy: We stand behind the health and quality of our fish, which is why we offer a two-week guarantee starting from the day of delivery. If your fish dies within this time frame, adhere to the following procedure: Take clear photos of the deceased fish. Using a reliable test kit, document water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite levels) via a dated image. Please email us the photographs, water parameters, and order number to [email protected] or our Facebook page. After reviewing your claim, if approved, we will issue a store credit for the cost of the fish. Our two-week guarantee does not cover fish deaths due to unsuitable water conditions, incompatible tank mates or "disasters", i.e. a heater overheating. To prevent such situations, we recommend thoroughly researching each fish species' needs before introducing them to your aquarium. 

 Freight Charges: Please note that shipping or freight charges are non-refundable under all circumstances. We hope this guide makes our refund and guarantee process more understandable. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us at [email protected]. We are always happy to assist. Thank you for choosing The Fish Room. Happy fishkeeping! 

All our fish are quarantined on arrival for two weeks. During this time, we treat any health issues that may occur during transport and ensure each fish is eating well and looking healthy. All fish are treated with Flubendazole before finally going on sale.