Zebra loach

Botia striata, the Zebra Loach, is a striking, striped botiid loach endemic to the Bhadra River drainage in the Western Ghats of India, where it inhabits clear, well-oxygenated streams with rocky and sandy substrates. It reaches a standard length of 8–9 cm and requires an aquarium with a base of at least 120 × 30 cm with good water movement. Water conditions should be well-oxygenated with temperatures of 21–26 °C, pH of 6.0–7.5, and hardness of 18–179 ppm. The substrate should consist of sand or fine gravel, and the aquarium should include smooth rocks, driftwood, and shaded areas. Zebra Loaches are social and should be maintained in groups to observe their active and engaging behaviour. While peaceful, they are very active and may intimidate much smaller tankmates. Slow-moving or long-finned species such as Bettas, guppies, and angelfish should be avoided as trailing fins may be nipped. The natural diet is chiefly carnivorous — aquatic molluscs, insects, worms, and other invertebrates — and they will also consume soft-leaved aquatic plants. In the aquarium they accept a varied diet of quality dried sinking foods, live or frozen bloodworm, Tubifex, and Artemia, along with fresh vegetables such as cucumber, melon, and blanched spinach. They will prey on aquatic snails but should not be considered a reliable solution to infestations. B. striata is considered endangered in the wild due to habitat modification and dam construction across its limited range.