Japanese Striped Loach (Cobitis biwae)

Family: Cobitidae

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

A Cobitidae species native to Japan: Cobitis biwae lives bottom-dwelling over sandy stretches of slow rivers. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Adults reach 8.2–12 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Cobitis species we profile, alongside Cobitis lutheri, Cobitis shikokuensis, Cobitis sinensis.

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: Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy
Diet: Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods
Recommended tankmates: Small calm cyprinids — Occupy a different water layer
Avoid keeping with: Large predators — Loaches are on the menu

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Females noticeably plumper when mature
Breeding method: Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned

Frequently asked questions

Is Japanese Striped Loach easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy.

What temperature and water chemistry does Japanese Striped Loach need?

Hold 18–26 °C and keep it stable — 18–26 °C typical for the genus. Room temperature stable range.

How big does Japanese Striped Loach get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 8.2–12 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 173 litres.

What does Japanese Striped Loach eat?

Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods. It forages naturally over fine sand for burrowing, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Japanese Striped Loach live with other fish?

Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. Good company: Small calm cyprinids — Occupy a different water layer. Keep away from Large predators — Loaches are on the menu.

Where does Japanese Striped Loach come from?

Comes from Japan: sandy stretches of slow rivers. Expect gentle current and tolerates moderate oxygen levels.

How does Japanese Striped Loach breed?

Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned. Females noticeably plumper when mature.