Botia striata

The Zebra Loach, also known as the Candy Stripe Loach, is a beautifully patterned bottom-dwelling fish perfect for adding activity to your aquarium. Its body features striking vertical black and goldish-yellow stripes, making it a real eye-catcher. These loaches are highly social and must be kept in groups of at least five to feel secure and display their natural, playful behaviors. A single loach will become stressed, shy, and unhealthy. They are generally peaceful towards other fish but can be very active, zipping around the tank, especially during dawn and dusk. For this reason, a tank of at least 20 gallons (approx. 75 liters) is recommended. You'll need a soft, sandy bottom to protect their delicate whiskers, which they use to search for food. They enjoy exploring and may occasionally uproot loosely planted aquarium plants. Be sure to provide plenty of hiding spots like caves, driftwood, or smooth rocks, as they love to squeeze into tight spaces to rest. Feeding them is easy as they are omnivores. A quality diet consists of sinking pellets or wafers designed for bottom-feeders, supplemented with occasional treats like frozen foods. They are excellent tank mates for most mid-to-top dwelling community fish like tetras and rasboras. Watching a group of Zebra Loaches interact and explore is incredibly rewarding, making them a fantastic, albeit active, addition to many community aquariums.