Golden Zebra Loach

Botia histrionica

Golden Zebra Loach is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish.

PeacefulBottom dwellerBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 12.5 cm (≤ 4.9 in)
Aquarium size: 130 L or larger / ≥ 80 cm (≥ 31.5 in) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 24–28 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH: 5–10 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 130 L or larger / ≥ 80 cm (≥ 31.5 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Golden Zebra Loach is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Golden Zebra Loach should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: China, Thailand, Myanmar.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 130 L or larger / ≥ 80 cm (≥ 31.5 in) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Bengal Loach Botia dario Same genus Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 15 cm (≤ 5.9 in) 23–27 °C Adolfos Catfish Corydoras adolfoi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 6 cm (≤ 2.4 in) 22–26 °C Banded Hillstream Loach Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 7.5 cm (≤ 3 in) 18–24 °C Black Venezuela Corydoras Corydoras schultzei Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 6 cm (≤ 2.4 in) 22–27 °C Bleeding Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 22–27 °C Blue Fin Hillstream Loach Gastromyzon aeroides Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 20–24 °C

FAQ

How large does Golden Zebra Loach get?

Golden Zebra Loach reaches ≤ 12.5 cm (≤ 4.9 in).

What aquarium size does Golden Zebra Loach need?

Use an aquarium of at least 130 L or larger / ≥ 80 cm (≥ 31.5 in) minimum length.

Is Golden Zebra Loach peaceful?

Yes. Golden Zebra Loach is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Golden Zebra Loach?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.