Hovering Zebra Loach

Yunnanilus cruciatus

Hovering Zebra Loach is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 8+.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 8+Beginner – Intermediate

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Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm)
Aquarium size: 13 US gal (50 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–81°F (22–27°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 2–12 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 8+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 13 US gal (50 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–27 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Hovering Zebra Loach is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 13 US gal (50 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 8+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Vietnam.

Similar fish profiles

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

Black Arrow Royal Tetra Inpaichthys luizae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Blue Neon Goby Stiphodon atropurpureus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Armoured Stickleback Indostomus paradoxus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Hovering Zebra Loach get?

Hovering Zebra Loach reaches ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm).

What aquarium size does Hovering Zebra Loach need?

Use an aquarium of at least 13 US gal (50 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Hovering Zebra Loach peaceful?

Yes. Hovering 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 Hovering Zebra Loach?

Keep it between 22 to 27 °C.

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

Hovering Zebra Loach: Keep in a loose group of 8+.