Zebra Loach
Botia striata
Minimum Tank
30 Gallons
Adult Size
4 inches
Temperature
73-79°F (23-26°C)
pH Range
6.5-7.5
Lifespan
15 years
School Size
5+ fish
About Zebra Loach
The zebra loach is a small, attractively striped fish from the clear streams and rivers of western India. Its body features numerous narrow, alternating bands of dark brown and cream that wrap around the entire body in a zebra-like pattern. Zebra loaches are active, social bottom-dwellers that spend their time foraging along the substrate and investigating every nook and cranny of the tank. They are one of the smaller botia-type loaches, reaching about 4 inches, which makes them more suitable for moderately sized community tanks than their larger relatives. Their peaceful disposition and manageable size make them an excellent loach for community setups where clown loaches would eventually outgrow the tank.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 30-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 73-79°F (23-26°C)
- • pH: 6.5 - 7.5
- • Category: Loach
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Keep zebra loaches in groups of at least four in a tank of 30 gallons or more with a sandy substrate and moderate current. They prefer clean, well-oxygenated water at 73-79°F. Provide plenty of caves and hiding spots using rocks and driftwood, as they are semi-nocturnal and appreciate daytime retreats. They are effective snail eaters and will control pest snail populations. Feed sinking pellets, wafers, and frozen bloodworms after the lights dim. Zebra loaches are generally peaceful with other species but may chase each other during hierarchy establishment. They are sensitive to poor water quality and need regular water changes. Cover filter intakes to prevent entrapment.
Quick Facts
114L
Min Tank (30gal)
10cm
Adult Size (4")
15yr
Lifespan
5+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Zebra Loach
Related Species You Might Like
Yoyo Loach
Botia almorhae
Hillstream Loach
Sewellia lineolata
Dwarf Chain Loach
Ambastaia sidthimunki
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii
Clown Loach
Chromobotia macracanthus
Dojo Loach
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Tank Mates for Zebra Loach
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus sp.
moderate · 10+ gal
Rubber Lip Pleco
Chaetostoma sp.
moderate · 20+ gal
Checker Barb
Oliotius oligolepis
easy · 20+ gal
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
moderate · 30+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Zebra Loach need?
A Zebra Loach needs a minimum tank size of 30 gallons (114 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 5.
What water parameters does a Zebra Loach need?
Zebra Loach thrive in water between 73-79°F (23-26°C) with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Are Zebra Loach easy to care for?
Zebra Loach are considered moderate to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 15 years.
How big do Zebra Loach get and what do they eat?
Zebra Loach reach about 4 inches and are omnivores. Keep zebra loaches in groups of at least four in a tank of 30 gallons or more with a sandy substrate and moderate current. They prefer clean, well-oxygenated water at 73-79°F. Provide plenty of caves and hiding spots using rocks and driftwood, as they are semi-nocturnal and appreciate daytime retreats. They are effective snail eaters and will control pest snail populations. Feed sinking pellets, wafers, and frozen bloodworms after the lights dim. Zebra loaches are generally peaceful with other species but may chase each other during hierarchy establishment. They are sensitive to poor water quality and need regular water changes. Cover filter intakes to prevent entrapment.