Family: Cobitidae
Striped Loach — a Cobitidae from Japan, mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time. Reaches 7.5–11 cm; gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended. 18–26 °C.
Cobitis striata, a member of the family Cobitidae, comes from Japan, where it inhabits sandy stretches of slow rivers. Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time and unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim, it grows to 7.5–11 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 18–26 °C range. Other Cobitis species in our database include Cobitis lutheri, Cobitis shikokuensis, Cobitis sinensis.
A moderate-level species: mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Aim for 18–26 °C. Room temperature stable range; 18–26 °C typical for the genus.
Adults reach 7.5–11 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 145 litres.
Unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim. It forages naturally over fine sand for burrowing, so let some food reach the bottom.
Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time. Recommended tankmates: Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict. Avoid Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters.
Its home waters are Japan — sandy stretches of slow rivers, with gentle current.
Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Females noticeably plumper when mature.