Zebra Loach (Candy Stripe Loach) Fish Species Profile

Zebra Loaches are striped, bottom-dwelling fish that are usually a good choice for a beginner aquarium hobbyist. These freshwater fish can tolerate smaller tanks with some tank water fluctuations and are a peaceful species. However, there have been no cases of successful breeding of this species in a home aquarium meaning that all specimens have been removed from their wild habitat.

Characteristics

Origin and Distribution

The coloration of the Zebra Loach is the basis for its scientific name, Botia striata, which is derived from the Latin word striatus, meaning striped or striated. There have been other scientific names given to this loach, most notably Botia hymenophysa.

Although possibly not indigenous, each species originates in a different location. B hymenophysa is found in Malaysia, Thailand, and the Greater Sundra Island, while Botia striata hails from the Tunga River system in Karnataka, located in the southern part of India. Zebra loaches have also been found in several areas within the Krishna drainage. Althe waters are clear in some of these regions, other locations this fish inhabits are muddy and oxygen-poor. It is not unusual to find zebras in the company of different Botia species.

Colors and Markings

One of the smaller members of the Botia family, the Zebra loach reaches a maximum adult size of about four inches, although they often are a bit smaller. The head of this loach is blunt with three pairs of barbells that grace the nose, one maxillary set, and two rostral pairs. Young specimens have a red nose that fades as they grow older

Zebras are boldly marked with vertical stripes, giving them their most widely known common name. The stripes on the head slant backward, while the stripes in the mid-portion slant forward and those near the tail are almost vertical. These stripes vary in width, from narrow to thick, sometimes breaking up in such a way as to give the appearance of a maze.

Zebras are striped over the entire body, including the head and fins, with the only exception being the belly, which is cream-colored and free of any stripes or patterns. The color of the stripes varies, from pale yellow to deep brown to gray, and may even take on a blue or greenish hue. This variety of colors in each individual gives rise to another common name, the candy stripe loach.

Tankmates

Zebra loaches are peaceful and prefer to live in small shoals that typically cruise the tank together. They are more active at night than during the day but are still more active during the day than most members of the loach family. Generally speaking, they are not aggressive and can be kept with many other species. However, their boisterous nature can stress fish that are timid or shy.

Zebras are an excellent choice for the community tank, but they must be kept in groups of at least five or more of their own kind. They will tolerate other Botia species quite well, and will even school with them. Other potential tankmates may include tinfoil barbs, and they also enjoy the company of the popular clown loach.

Avoid keeping them with other small bottom-dwelling fish, such as members of the cory family, as they compete for space and can exhibit aggression in these situations. Also to be avoided are fish with long fins, such as angelfish and bettas. Even long-finned guppies or small tetras may be picked on by the zebra loaches.

Zebra Loach Habitat and Care

Although more active during daylight hours than other loaches, lighting should be somewhat subdued. The zebra loach still requires a habitat with plenty of hiding places to help them feel fully secure. Driftwood, piles of smooth rocks, flower pots with openings, or simply large tubes will all suffice as shelters. Plenty of plants, either real or artificial, will round out the habitat. Take care to ensure that all decor is free of sharp edges, and make sure all openings are large enough to ensure that loaches will not become trapped.

Zebras love to rummage for food morsels and even burrow into the substrate. Their barbells are quite sensitive and are subject to irritation if the substrate is too rough. Therefore, the substrate should be soft; either smooth-edged fine gravel or sand. The tank should have a well-fitting cover, as this fish will escape if it finds a large enough opening. Filtration should be sufficient to maintain high water quality, and weekly water changes are important.

Zebras cannot tolerate elevated organics or water chemistry fluctuations. They should not be introduced to a newly set up aquarium or a mature aquarium that has an excessive build-up of organic waste. Water temperatures should be 73 to 79 F with soft and slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 6.5).

It has been reported that when stressed, they are more susceptible to Ich infection. Observe them closely for signs of Ich whenever moving them or making other potentially stressful changes to the habitat.

Zebra Loach Diet and Feeding

Zebra loaches are omnivores and readily accept a wide range of foods. They are particularly fond of live foods, such as bloodworms, glass worms, tubifex, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Additionally, zebra loaches are avid consumers of snails, making them a great means of keeping snail populations under control

In addition to live foods, they also will eat fresh vegetables and even fresh fruits. Flake, freeze-dried, and frozen foods are also accepted and add to a balanced diet. Sinking foods are helpful in a community aquarium, to ensure the bottom-dwelling Zebras get their fair share at feeding time.

Gender Differences

There are no obvious external differences that can be seen between the sexes, although mature females may be a bit more rounded in the abdomen than males.

Breeding the Zebra Loach

Zebra loaches were first introduced to the aquarium trade in 1952, and have continued to remain popular among aquarium hobbyists; specimens sold in the trade are either wild-caught or captive-bred. While breeding this species in captivity has been unsuccessful for the home hobbyist, commercial breeding has been successful through the use of hormones.

More Pet Fish Species and Further Research

For the beginning who wants a larger schooling fish, the zebra loach is a robust and safe choice. If you are interested in similar species, check out:

• Barbs
• Clown loach
• Yoyo loach​​

Check out additional fish species profiles for more information on other freshwater fish.