Golden Zebra Loach

Botia histrionica

Golden Zebra Loach is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

PeacefulBottom dwellerKeep in a loose group of 6+Beginner – Intermediate

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Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm)
Aquarium size: 34 US gal (130 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 2–10 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 34 US gal (130 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Choose an aquarium that meets the listed minimum requirements.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 2–10 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

Omnivorous bottom forager; eats small aquatic snails and various prepared/frozen foods.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 34 US gal (130 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 6+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: China, Thailand, Myanmar.

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 ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Adolfos Catfish Hoplisoma adolfoi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Amanda Jane Corydoras Brochis amandajanea Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Araguaia Corydoras Hoplisoma araguaiaense Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Asian Bumblebee Catfish Pseudomystus siamensis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Golden Zebra Loach get?

Golden Zebra Loach reaches ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm).

What aquarium size does Golden Zebra Loach need?

Use an aquarium of at least 34 US gal (130 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Golden Zebra Loach peaceful?

Yes. Golden Zebra Loach is generally peaceful. Choose calm companions that won’t harass it or crowd it out at feeding time.

What temperature is suitable for Golden Zebra Loach?

Keep it between 22 to 28 °C.

Should Golden Zebra Loach be kept alone or in a group?

Golden Zebra Loach: Keep in a loose group of 6+.