Botia striata – Zebra Loach
Botia striata or Zebra Loach can reach a length of about 10 centimeters. It is a very popular and excellent beginner fish and has a beautiful stripe pattern, they are available in different varieties. The gender distinction is difficult to see, the adult females have a slightly fuller belly.
Synonyms: Botia striata kolhapurensis, Botia striatus, Botia dayi.
Origin
Maharashtra, Western Ghats, India.
The Aquarium
This species needs a soft substrate to root in. Sand is very suitable for this purpose. The substrate should not be sharp because the fish can injure themselves. Furthermore, this fish needs a lot of hiding places. This can be done by placing decorations such as rocks and wood, but also by using many plants. By rooting in the sand, the fish can uproot plants. Therefore, plants that are firmly planted in the ground should be used or the plants should be placed in flower pots.
The fish have a habit of hiding in places with narrow openings. Therefore, great care must be taken to ensure that the fish cannot get stuck anywhere. Particular attention should be paid to the rear wall. There should be no crack in between. It is advisable to cover the outflow and inflow of the filter with a basket or mesh. Otherwise, the fish will try to swim into the filter.
Use an aquarium with a minimum length of about 120 centimeters!
Water parameters
Temperature: 23-26 degrees Celsius.
PH: 6-6,5
GH: 3-7
In nature, fish have to deal with fluctuating temperatures. Keeping fish at the minimum or maximum temperature for a long time is not always desirable and can shorten the average lifespan of the animals.
Diet
Zebra Loaches are omnivores, both live food and frozen food can be given, such as mosquito larvae, shrimp, daphnia and green food, as well as food tablets and dry food. They are also excellent snail scavengers.
Character
Botia striata is a peaceful species that thrives best in groups, as keeping them alone can lead to their decline. Additionally, this species is quite shy, so they tend to hide frequently. One advantage of having Botia striata in an aquarium is that they enjoy eating snails, which helps keep the tank free of these pests.
Breeding Botia striata – Zebra Loach
Unfortunately, nothing is known about the breeding of Botia striata – Zebra Loach in aquariums. Botia striata is commercially grown using hormones.
Video
Author
Coby – Stefan
Copyright images
Mark Duffill
Margie van der Heijden – Ons Natuurgenot Gouda
