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Freshwater fish care guide

Zebra Loach

Botia striata

Playful social loach; give a group caves and room, and avoid delicate snails.

Starter tank40+ gal
Temperature74–82°F
pH6.0–7.5
Group guide5+

Planning your aquarium

The library starting point is 40+ US gallons. Plan for the approximate 4-inch adult size and the species' normal activity, not just its current shop size.

The library suggests a group of at least 5. Count every individual when estimating stocking and swimming room.

Mixed-species aquariums may need substantially more space. Tank length, adult behavior, filtration, and hiding spaces all matter.

Tank setup and behavior

  • Provide bottom space, suitable substrate, and accessible hiding places.
  • Include planting or cover without removing all open swimming space.

Playful social loach; give a group caves and room, and avoid delicate snails.

Food and feeding

Food options: Sinking pellets, Frozen foods, Snails.

Use appropriately sized, complete staple foods and rotate suitable foods for variety. Feed modest portions and remove uneaten food.

Tankmate cautions in the checker

  • Avoid or investigate Ramshorn Snail: Zebra loaches often eat small snails.

These are selected rule-based cautions, not a complete compatibility assessment.