Edit Botia striata

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Name

Scientific name

Botia striata

Described by

Authority Narayan Rao, Year 1920

Family

Botiidae

Summary

The zebra loach, Botia striata, is a botiid loach from the Krishna River system in southern India, described from the Tunga River in Karnat…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

90mm, standard length

Tank size

Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm

Water

Temperature and pH

Temperature 21–26°C, pH 6–7.5

Hardness

1–10dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Community-safe

Where it lives

Countries

India

Supporting text

Etymology

From the Latin striatus, meaning 'striated' or 'striped' in reference to this species' colour pattern.

Distribution

Described from the Tunga River in Karnataka (previously Mysore) state, southern India. The Tunga rises in the Western Ghats mountain range and is a tributary o…

Habitat

In a survey of fish diversity in the Bhadra River (which joins the Tunga to form the Tungabhadra) it was recorded alongside numerous other species including Pu…

Aquarium size

Base dimensions of 120 ∗ 30 cm48 ∗ 12 in or equivalent should be the minimum considered.

Maintenance

All botiids need a well-structured set-up although the actual choice of décor is more-or-less down to personal taste. A natural-style arrangement could include…

All botiids need a well-structured set-up although the actual choice of décor is more-or-less down to personal taste.

A natural-style arrangement could include a substrate of sand or fine gravel with lots of smooth, water-worn rocks and pebbles plus driftwood roots and branches.

Lighting can be relatively subdued and plants able to grow in such conditions like Microsorum pteropus (Java fern), Taxiphyllum barbieri ('Java' moss) or Anubias spp. can be added if you wish. These have an added benefit as they can be attached to pieces of décor in such a way as to provide useful shade.

Otherwise be sure to provide plenty of cover as botiids are inquisitive and seems to enjoy exploring their surroundings. Rocks, wood, flower pots and aquarium ornaments can be used in whichever combination to achieve the desired effect.

Bear in mind that they like to squeeze themselves into small gaps and crevices so items with sharp edges should be omitted, and any gaps or holes small enough for a fish to become trapped should be filled in with aquarium-grade silicone sealant. A tightly-fitting cover is also essential as these loaches do jump at times.

Although botiids don't require turbulent conditions they do best when the water is well-oxygenated with a degree of flow, are intolerant to accumulation of organic wastes and requires spotless water in order to thrive.

For these reasons they should never be introduced to biologically immature set-ups and adapt most readily to stable, mature aquaria. In terms of maintenance weekly water changes of 30-50% tank volume should be considered routine.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the profileFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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DOI

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Title

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Authors

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Year

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Pages

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Anything worth adding

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Water conditions

Not written yet

Diet

While Botia spp. appear to be chiefly carnivorous they will also eat vegetative matter if available, often including soft-leaved aquatic plants. The natural di…

Behaviour and compatibility

Peaceful but don't keep it with much smaller fishes as they may be intimidated by its size and sometimes very active behaviour. Slow-moving, long-finned specie…

Sexual dimorphism

Sexually mature females are normally plumper than males and often appear to fill with eggs.

Reproduction

Not known to have been bred in the hobby as with the majority of botiid loaches though some, including B. striata, are being produced on a commercial basis via…

Notes

This species is perhaps the best choice of Botia sp. for the general community given its adult size and peaceable nature. Following Grant (2007) it's included …

References

11 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Tank size

Water

Temperature and pH

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries

Supporting text

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References