Species Profile

Zebra Loach

Botia striata

Loachespeaceful

Adult size

3.5″

Minimum tank

30 gal

Temperature

73–79°F

6–7.5

Schooling

Group of 5+

Water level

bottom

Grows from juvenile

Typically sold at ~1.5″ and reaches 3.5″ over ~1 year. Plan tank size for the adult, not the fish at purchase.

Diet

Sinking pellets, frozen, snails

Notes

Among the most peaceful Botia loaches. Yellow-and-black zebra striping, active during the day unlike many bottom-dwellers. Eats pest snails. Group of 5+ to prevent stress; lone individuals hide constantly.

Build a tank →Photo credits

Photo: Lerdsuwa / Wikimedia Commons · Source · CC-BY-SA-3.0