Zebra Loach - Botia striata

The Zebra or Striped Loach, Botia striata, is a peaceful and smaller member of the loach family. It is often found in groups and is considered a good snail eater (perfect for snail problems in smaller tanks). Feed a meaty diet of sinking foods like bloodworms, sinking pellets and saturated flakes, and occasionally algae or vegetable matter. These loaches dig in the substrate and should have fine sand so their barbels (the whiskers on their face) are not damaged. They need lots of rocks, plants or driftwood for hiding places. Plants, especially tall plants, will help to break up lighting and provide the subdued lighting ideal for these loaches. Like many other loaches, these fish are scaleless, and so are more sensitive to medications and other chemicals in the water. They are also sensitive to cooler water temperatures. Maintaining the water within the specified temperature range will help to avoid stress and other complications.