botia striata  botia striata care

Botia striata

(Striata Botia Loach, Zebra Loach)

Care Level: Moderate
Tank Conditions: 72-86°F; pH 6.0-7.5; dH 8-12
Temperament: Peaceful / Semi-aggressive
Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 4"
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: India
Family: Cobitidae

The Striata Botia Loach is a scaleless fish and a bottom-dweller that originates from the streams in India. The body of this Botia Loach is tan and dark brown in coloration, and like other Botia loaches, this loach can be identified by the four pairs of barbells protruding from its mouth area. The entire body and fins of this Loach is barred with alternating stripes of both tan and dark brown, which gives this fish a very interesting look.

The Striata Botia Loach is an active scavenger that enjoys the company of its own species. It will school with others of the same age and size. It may be semi-aggressive at time with it's own kind. The Striata Botia Loach appreciates caves, holes, and other places to hide, especially when it sleeps. Because it originates from streams, it requires water currents in the aquarium.

The breeding habits of this species are not known, and successful captive breeding has yet to be recorded.

The Striata Botia Loach requires small amounts of food several times a day. Younger Loaches will eat most prepared foods while older ones may be more finicky. Feed them a varied diet of bloodworms, brine shrimp and a quality flake or pellet food. They also will eat snails.

zebra loach