Golden Zebra Loach - Botia Histrionica : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Golden Zebra Loach (Botia histrionica) is an enchanting and lively species that can add a touch of magic to any community tank. Their endearing and inquisitive nature, coupled with their unique appearance, make them a popular choice amongst aquarists. These loaches are nocturnal by nature but can be active during the daytime if provided with ample hiding places and cover. Golden Zebra Loaches are a social species and should be kept in shoals of 5 or more to encourage their natural behaviour and reduce any aggression. The addition of more fish to the shoal can also minimize any squabbles that may occur between individuals.
An aquarium of at least 3ft in length is recommended for these active swimmers. The substrate should consist of fine sand to protect their delicate sensory barbels, and the lighting should be subdued to provide a natural environment. Hiding places in the form of caves, bogwood, and aquatic plants should be plentiful to encourage exploration and playfulness. A clean, well-oxygenated aquarium with a decent flow rate is essential for the health and well-being of these loaches.
The Golden Zebra Loach has a distinct appearance with five full, sporadically shaped bars on their body, each with a small round spot at the lateral line and another on the ridge of their back. Their dorsal fins have one broken black band with some black at the base, and their ventral, pectoral, and anal fins each have two black bands with a black tip on each section. The patterns of these loaches can vary significantly depending on the region from which they were collected.
Golden Zebra Loach Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexing the Golden Zebra Loach is a relatively straightforward process. Mature females can be identified by their fuller body and more rounded snout, while males have an elongated nose with noticeably fleshier lips. These characteristics make distinguishing between male and female Golden Zebra Loaches an achievable task for even novice aquarists.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Botia Histrionica |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1860 |
| Other Names | Gold Zebra Loach, Asian Loach, Silver Striped Loach, Burmese Zebra Loach |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cobitidae |
| Genus | Botia |
| Origins | China , Thailand , Myanmar |
| Max Size | 12.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 8 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 10 |
| ℉ | 76 - 84 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 24 - 28 |
Natural Habitat
The Golden Zebra Loach is found in the Indian state of Manipur, in the Yunnan Province in China, throughout much of Myanmar, and even in the streams of western Thailand. In their natural habitat, these remarkable fish inhabit clear, slow-moving headwaters of streams and rivers with subtle lighting conditions found in shady forest areas. These serene waters are typically found over substrates of mixed rock and sand with lots of submerged driftwood, bogwood, and leaf litter cover, providing an ideal environment for these fish to explore their surroundings.
Breeding
Regrettably, no documented instances of breeding the Golden Zebra Loach in a home aquarium are available to date. However, some aquarists have reported observing courtship behaviour after making cooler water changes.
Diet & Feeding
Golden Zebra Loaches have a versatile diet and are known to thrive on high-quality dried foods such as granules or flakes, which should be supplemented with live or frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, tubifex, and other similar foods. Sinking wafers and pellets can also be added to their diet. These loaches are known to be voracious snail eaters, and their presence can lead to a significant reduction in snail populations in the aquarium. Fresh vegetables can also be incorporated into their diet to provide them with the necessary nutrients.
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