fish · Botiidae
Zebra loach
Botia striata
Wild range: Western Ghats / Krishna drainage, southern India (Asia)
At a glance: Zebra loach care
Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.
What temperature is listed for Zebra loach?
The compiled profile lists 23.0–26.0 °C for Zebra loach (Botia striata). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.
What tank size is listed for Zebra loach?
The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 20.0 US gallons (75.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.
What pH is listed for Zebra loach?
The compiled profile lists a pH of 6.0–7.5. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.
Where they are found
The zebra loach is endemic to the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its tropical evergreen forests. This species is primarily found in the Tunga and Bhadra rivers of Karnataka, as well as the Panchganga and Koyna rivers in Maharashtra, covering a distribution area of about 400km².
Aquarium care
Peaceful botiid loach for mature, well-oxygenated aquaria with sand/fine gravel, smooth rock/wood cover, and a tight lid (jumpers). Keep five to six or more (preferably 10+) to diffuse hierarchy aggression. Intolerant of organic waste—weekly 30–50% water changes. Offer varied diet: quality dried foods, live/frozen invertebrates, and some vegetable matter; may nibble soft plants and snails but are not a snail-cure.
Feeding
Chiefly carnivorous invertebrates in nature but also take vegetable matter. Varied dried + live/frozen bloodworm/Tubifex/Artemia plus cucumber/spinach/courgette.
Compatibility
Peaceful community candidate among Botia; avoid much smaller fish and long-finned slow species (fin-nipping risk). Good with peaceful open-water cyprinids and many other loaches/catfish in adequate space.
Sources
Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.