Striped Loach (Cobitis striata)

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.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
7.5–11 cm
Minimum tank
145 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time
Origin
Japan

Species overview

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.

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
Gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended
Diet
Unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim
Recommended tankmates
  • Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict
Avoid keeping with
  • Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females noticeably plumper when mature
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer; no parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Striped Loach easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Striped Loach need?

Aim for 18–26 °C. Room temperature stable range; 18–26 °C typical for the genus.

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

Adults reach 7.5–11 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 145 litres.

What does Striped Loach eat?

Unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim. It forages naturally over fine sand for burrowing, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Striped Loach live with other fish?

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.

Where does Striped Loach come from?

Its home waters are Japan — sandy stretches of slow rivers, with gentle current.

How does Striped Loach breed?

Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Females noticeably plumper when mature.