The Zebra Loach (Botia striata) is a small, striking freshwater loach with bold black and white horizontal stripes along its body. Known for its peaceful temperament and active behavior, it is a favorite among aquarists for community tanks.
Out of Stock
The Zebra Loach (Botia striata) is a small, striking freshwater loach with bold black and white horizontal stripes along its body. Known for its peaceful temperament and active behavior, it is a favorite among aquarists for community tanks.
Elongated, slightly compressed body with alternating black and white horizontal stripes. Small eyes, barbels around the mouth for detecting food. Adults reach 3–4 inches. Smooth fins and flexible body for bottom-dwelling and burrowing.
5–8 years with proper care
Omnivorous; feeds on live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and tubifex worms. Accepts high-quality sinking pellets and occasional blanched vegetables such as cucumber or zucchini.
Zebra Loaches are ideal for peaceful community aquariums. Their striking patterns, social behavior, and active bottom-dwelling habits make them both decorative and functional. Keeping them in groups enhances natural behavior and reduces stress.
Moderate – requires groups, hiding spaces, and stable water conditions.
30+ gallons (for a small group)
6.0 to 7.5
5–12 dGH
75–82°F (24–28°C)
3–4 inches
Peaceful species such as tetras, rasboras, guppies, and dwarf cichlids. Avoid aggressive or overly large fish.
Aggressive or overly large fish that may harass or eat them. Avoid extremely timid species that may be stressed by the loach’s activity.
Botia striata
Botiidae
India – fast-flowing rivers and streams with rocky substrates.
Highly social; best kept in groups of 3–5 or more. Peaceful with other community fish.
Feed 1–2 times daily. Offer live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or tubifex worms. Supplement with sinking pellets and occasional blanched vegetables. Ensure food reaches the bottom where they forage.
Breeding in captivity is extremely rare. They scatter eggs over fine-leaved plants or substrate with no parental care. Conditioning with protein-rich foods may slightly improve spawning success.
pH: 6.0–7.5, Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C), Hardness: 5–12 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm
Sensitive to poor water quality; prone to ich and bacterial infections if stressed. Provide stable water parameters and hiding spaces to reduce stress.
Peaceful, social, and active. Best kept in groups of 3–5 or more to display natural schooling behavior. Often hides during the day but becomes active at night while exploring and foraging.
Native to India, the Zebra Loach inhabits fast-flowing streams with rocky or sandy substrates. Adults reach 3–4 inches, making them suitable for medium-sized community aquariums. They prefer a tank with hiding places, smooth rocks, caves, and driftwood. Providing a varied diet ensures good health, active behavior, and vivid coloration. Zebra Loaches are excellent for adding movement and interest to the bottom of the tank.