zebra loach (Botia striata)

Family: Cobitidae

zebra loach — a Cobitidae from Central and North America. Reaches 5.8–8.6 cm; keep at 23–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
23–26 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–12 dGH
Adult length
5.8–8.6 cm
Minimum tank
89 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful bottom-dweller
Origin
Central and North America

Species overview

A Cobitidae species native to Central and North America: Botia striata lives bottom-dwelling over sandy stretches of slow rivers. Peaceful bottom-dweller. Adults reach 5.8–8.6 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Botia species we profile, alongside Botia almorhae, Botia dario, Botia histrionica.

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 zebra loach easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful bottom-dweller; loosely social; keep in small groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does zebra loach need?

Aim for 23–26 °C. Room temperature stable range; 23–26 °C recorded range.

How big does zebra loach get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 5.8–8.6 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 89 litres.

What does zebra loach eat?

Omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking foods. It forages naturally over fine sand for burrowing, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can 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 zebra loach come from?

Its home waters are Central and North America — sandy stretches of slow rivers, with gentle current.

How does zebra loach breed?

Rare in home aquaria. Females noticeably plumper when mature.