Zebra Loach

Botia striata

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

Generally peaceful; active and may nip trailing fins or intimidate very small fish.Bottom dwellerKeep in a loose group of 6+Intermediate

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Need help with Zebra Loach?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm)
Aquarium size: 42 US gal (160 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Generally peaceful; active and may nip trailing fins or intimidate very small fish.
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 70–79°F (21–26°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 1–10 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 42 US gal (160 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 21–26 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 1–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

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, Zebra Loach should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer varied sinking foods and frozen/live invertebrates, with some vegetable matter; observe that all group members feed.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 42 US gal (160 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: India, Bangladesh.

Important notes

Social group required: maintain at least five, preferably more with suitable space.
Avoid long-finned or exceptionally small tankmates.
Use a mature, well-oxygenated aquarium with plenty of cover and a secure lid.

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 Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Bar Cheek Goby Rhinogobius giurinus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 64–75°F (18–24°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°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) Barito Loach Kapuasia falaris Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate 2.4–3.1" (6–8 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Zebra Loach get?

Zebra Loach reaches ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm).

What aquarium size does Zebra Loach need?

Use an aquarium of at least 42 US gal (160 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Zebra Loach peaceful?

Yes. 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 Zebra Loach?

Keep it between 21 to 26 °C.

Should Zebra Loach be kept alone or in a group?

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