Golden Zebra Loach (Botia histrionica)

Family: Cobitidae

Golden Zebra Loach — a Cobitidae freshwater fish. Reaches 9.8–14.3 cm; keep at 23–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
23–26 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–12 dGH
Adult length
9.8–14.3 cm
Minimum tank
245 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful bottom-dweller

Species overview

Botia histrionica is a Cobitidae. In the aquarium it stays peaceful bottom-dweller. Plan on 9.8–14.3 cm of adult fish at 23–26 °C. Related profiles: Botia almorhae, Botia dario, Botia lohachata.

Native biotope

Habitat
Sandy stretches of slow rivers
Flow
Gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Tolerates moderate oxygen levels

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand for burrowing
Hardscape
Smooth stones and driftwood caves
Plants
Low-light tolerant plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Loosely social; keep in small groups
Diet
Omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females noticeably plumper when mature
Breeding method
Rare in home aquaria

Frequently asked questions

Is Golden Zebra Loach easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful bottom-dweller. Loosely social; keep in small groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does Golden Zebra Loach need?

Set the heater to 23–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–8, GH 5–12 dGH suit it.

How big does Golden Zebra Loach get, and what tank size?

Expect 9.8–14.3 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 245 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Golden Zebra Loach eat?

Omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Golden Zebra Loach live with other fish?

Peaceful bottom-dweller; loosely social; keep in small groups. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Golden Zebra Loach come from?

Its habitat is sandy stretches of slow rivers — gentle current, tolerates moderate oxygen levels.

How does Golden Zebra Loach breed?

In the aquarium: rare in home aquaria. Females noticeably plumper when mature.