Zebra loach size: how big does it get?

Adults reach about 8.5 cm. The smallest of the 7 Botia species on LumaReef (Ladder Loach is the largest, 25 cm).

Zebra loach tank size: what is the minimum?

A tank at least 120 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Wide tank or larger.

Zebra loach water parameters: what does it need?

Temperature 21–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, hardness 3–12 °dGH. Close to what most Botia on LumaReef need (22–28 °C).

Zebra loach tank mates: what can it live with?

It gets along with 66 of the 99 freshwater species in the catalogue, such as Congo tetra, Scissortail rasbora, and Molly.

Zebra loach: is it endangered?

The IUCN Red List rates it Endangered. Threatened among the 5 assessed Botia species on LumaReef: 2.

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Zebra loach

Botia striata

The gentlest loach; it sifts sand, clicks, and sleeps wedged in a gap.

The Zebra loach (Botia striata) is a tropical freshwater fish of the family Botiidae. It lives on the bottom. Adults grow to about 8.5 cm. The IUCN Red List rates it Endangered. In the aquarium it needs a tank at least 120 cm long and water at 21–26 °C.

Size: 8.5 cm
Smallest tank: 120 cm
Temperature: 21–26 °C
Care: Moderate

In the aquarium

Temperature21–26 °C

pH6.0–7.5

Hardness3–12 °dGH

Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Activity: Moderate
Water layer: Bottom
Group: Happiest in a group of 5 or more
Plants: Plant safe

These values are compiled from real species data, and the LumaReef simulation is built to keep them true to life.

Which tank it fits

Nano60 cm · 65 litresToo small
Standard90 cm · 180 litresToo small
Wide120 cm · 300 litres33 of them
Living room180 cm · 650 litres72 of them
Showcase250 cm · 1,200 litres133 of them
Gallery300 cm · 1,440 litres160 of them

Who it lives with

Gets along66 species

and 42 more species

Caution23 species

Not together10 species

Aggressive with peaceful

Water temperatures do not overlap

In the wild

Water type: Freshwater
Climate zone: Tropical
Habitat: On the bottom
Aquarium trade: Traded commercially

Conservation status

Classification

OrderCypriniformes
FamilyBotiidae
GenusBotia
SpeciesBotia striata
Described byRao, 1920

Quick answers

Zebra loach size: how big does it get?: Adults reach about 8.5 cm. The smallest of the 7 Botia species on LumaReef (Ladder Loach is the largest, 25 cm).
Zebra loach tank size: what is the minimum?: A tank at least 120 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Wide tank or larger.
Zebra loach water parameters: what does it need?: Temperature 21–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, hardness 3–12 °dGH. Close to what most Botia on LumaReef need (22–28 °C).
Zebra loach tank mates: what can it live with?: It gets along with 66 of the 99 freshwater species in the catalogue, such as Congo tetra, Scissortail rasbora, and Molly.
Zebra loach: alone or in a group?: Keep at least 5 together.
Zebra loach and plants: is it plant safe?: Yes, it leaves plants alone.
Zebra loach: is it endangered?: The IUCN Red List rates it Endangered. Threatened among the 5 assessed Botia species on LumaReef: 2.