Japanese Striped Loach — a Cobitidae from Japan, peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Reaches 8.2–12 cm; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. 18–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
8.2–12 cm
Minimum tank
173 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand
Origin
Japan
Species overview
Cobitis biwae, a member of the family Cobitidae, is native to Japan. Half of its life happens after dark; give it fine sand and it will reward you with natural foraging. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 8.2–12 cm. Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. Use a soft sand bed and feed sinking foods; coarse gravel wears down its sensory barbels. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.