Tiger Botia – *Botia striata* | Peaceful, small loach with attractive stripe patterns & an active nature

The zebra loach (Botia striata) is a compact, peaceful loach species from India, which impresses with its fine, vertical stripe pattern and its lively, social behavior. It is excellently suited for community aquariums and is particularly popular among enthusiasts of smaller loach species.

This species is peaceful, active, and gregarious, loves shady areas, sand substrate, and hiding places made of roots or stones. In a group, it displays its full social behavior and impressive dynamism in the aquarium.

🌿 Characteristics & Care:
🐠 Fish size: M/L (5–6 cm)
🌎 Origin: India
🌡️ Temperature: 24–28 °C
💧 pH value: 6.5–7.5
⚖️ Total hardness: up to 15 °dGH
🐟 Social behavior: Peaceful, group fish (from 5 animals)
🌾 Aquarium: From 150 l, with sand substrate, caves & light current

🍽️ Feeding:
Eats live, frozen, and dry food. Mosquito larvae, Artemia, and sinking food pellets are particularly popular.

💡 Tip:
A soft sand substrate and several hiding places are ideal. Under subdued lighting, the fine stripes and behavior are particularly well displayed.

👉 Conclusion:
The zebra loach (Botia striata) is a peaceful, small, and beautifully patterned bottom-dwelling fish species – ideal for planted community aquariums.