The zebra loach (Botia striata) is a freshwater loach endemic to a small area within the rivers and streams of the Western Ghats in India. They are a source of food and income to the Katkari people, and a popular aquarium fish loved for their dazzling appearance.
Physical Description
The first description of B. striata was published in 1920 by Indian Zoologist C R Narayan Rao, stating that:<blockquote>"The color of this Loach is most beautiful. The body is diversified by broad dark and narrow yellow bands, which from behind the nape form oblique hoops directed backwards." </blockquote>The fish takes on a fusiform shape, with a body approximately as tall as their heads are long. They have an inferior positioned mouth lined by 4 pairs of barbels, and while they are sexually dimorphic, the differences are subtle – females tend to be larger, reaching sexual maturity at a size of approximately 6.15 cm from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. The largest zebra loach recorded was 9.5cm (3.74") from the tip of the snout to the base of the tail. Some are found with variations in their striping, taking on twisted or reticulated patterns.
Geographic Range and Distribution
left|thumb|387x387px|View of the Koyna River near Kas Patthar in the Western Ghats, India
The Western Ghats is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, known for its tropical evergreen forests and designation as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area experiences two seasons, a 3 month monsoon season and a 9 month dry season.
The zebra loach's range is restricted to four different rivers: the Tunga and Bhadra rivers of Karnataka, and the Panchganga river and Koyna river in the state of Maharashtra. Overall, their entire distribution is inside of an area about 400km² in size.
Population and Conservation Status
According to the IUCN, the zebra loach is endangered due to habitat alteration from deforestation and pollution combined with their small geographic range. preferring waterways with pebble or gravel beds. Zebra loaches are omnivores, feeding on phytoplankton and crustaceans within the substrate. As many as 382,575 individuals were exported from India between 2005 - 2012, and as many as 265,610 individuals were exported between April 2012 to March 2017.
Aquarists interested in keeping zebra loach specimens are strongly advised to investigate the source of locally available fishes, and to only purchase those known to be captive-bred.
Care Requirements
Water Quality
They are fairly hardy fish that can thrive in most healthy tropical aquarium environments, with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0, and temperatures from 23 - 26°C. They do best with clean, well oxygenated water.
Temperament
left|thumb|193x193px|Two zebra loaches (B. striata) together in an aquarium
Zebra loaches are peaceful fish suitable to tropical, freshwater community aquariums. They should be kept in groups of at least five, and need many different places to hide to be able to thrive. This species is quite shy, and may spend much of its time hiding outside of feeding times.
They exhibit shoaling behaviors, forming complex social hierarchies, often centered around food. Dominant, larger ones in the shoal can often be observed jostling for leadership. Their behavior is fairly similar to other common loaches, like clown loaches and yoyo loaches. They can be boisterous, but rarely exhibit aggression towards other tank mates. They are not typically compatible with slower moving fish like bettas, as their obnoxious behavior can cause a lot of stress to fish that appreciate a calmer environment.
Breeding
Home aquarium breeding is unknown, but the species is bred on a commercial basis with the use of hormones.