Zipper Loach - Profile

Scientific Name(s)	: Acanthocobitis botia, Botia nebulosa
Common Name(s)	: Striped Loach, Zipper Loach
Family	: Balitoridae
Species Type:	: Asian Loaches
Maximum Size	: 4 inches
Life Span	: 5 years
Natural Habitat	: Asian Rivers
Minimum Tank Size	: 20 gallons
Tank Region	: Bottom
Possible Tank Mates	: Other community fish
Temperature Range	: 72°F – 82°F
pH Range	: 6.8 - 7.5
Hardness	: 20° - 25°

Description: The zipper loach does well with water that has a current, so the use of a powerhead is reccomended. A sandy or small gravel substrate is preferred because this species digs constantly. Caves, rocky outcroppings, and plants are favorite hiding places. This loach has a very distinctive eye spot which does not go away with age. This is the number one way to determine if you have a true zipper loach or if you have Botia striata. The two are very commonly mislabeled because they are so similar in appearance.

Breeding Information: Breeding can be accomplished by experienced aquarists. Known triggers are large water changes and minor pH changes. They lay the eggs in a hidden spot and leave them. Parents may eat the eggs, and will not guard them; so the eggs or parents should be removed.

Sexing Information: No known method to sex this species visually.

Diet: Omnivorous - Mainly bottom feeders which will appreciate a varied diet of sinking algae wafers, sinking shrimp pellets, blood worms, tubifex worms, etc. Will eat most commercial foods that are offered and will even with time eat from the top of the tank and the middle, even though it highly prefers to bottom feed. To keep a good balance, give them a high quality flake or tablet food everyday. Feed mosquito larvae, brine shrimp (either live or frozen), tubifex, daphnia, and some vegetable foods such as algae wafers.

Temperament: Peaceful community  fish.

Common Diseases: None specific to species

General Info:The Zipper Loach is a beautiful, slender, and elongated fish whose patterning when it is young looks just like a 'zipper'! On its sides the Zipper Loach has a grayish green background color, a light to whitish belly, and dark blotches on the sides and top. The dorsal and tail fins have stripes made up of dark spots. If well cared for, it can also have an orange-red cast to its fins.

This loach is described by many names, most of which are indicative of its looks. The most common name for this loach is Zipper Loach. This is very descriptive when it is young as it looks like it is covered with a 'zipper' pattern. It also has a unique 'eye-spot' on the top part at the base of the caudal fin, lending to the name Eye-Spot Loach or Spot Loach. But as this loach grows, its pattern stretches out and other distinctive names come into play, such as Mottled Loach or Striped Loach. The only odd-ball name is Sand Loach, which probably comes from its preference for digging and hiding in soft substrates such as sand or fine gravel.

The Zipper Loach is nocturnal and can be quite shy until it becomes acclimated. Provide subdued lighting and be sure to provide plenty of hiding and resting places created with rocks and driftwood. As they like to burrow, a substrate of sand or fine gravel is best. Plants are not necessary but they are appreciated.

Zipper Loaches are hardy, personable, and generally peaceful. They are good for a community aquarium, but with reasonably robust tank mates. They have been known to nip angelfish and gouramis who have longer fins. This fish will do well in a larger aquarium (ideally 30 gallons or so) with good water movement, subdued lighting, and places for retreat such as rocks, caves, and roots. They do best in soft to medium, slightly acidic water with frequent water changes of about 10% a week. The substrate can to be a fine or medium gravel that does not have sharp edges.

Social Behaviors: Though most Hill stream loaches are best kept singly as they have a tendency to quarrel with others of their own species and other similar loaches, this one has reportedly been kept with others of its own kind. They are peaceful in a community aquarium with mildly aggressive tank mates, but have been know to nip fish with longer fins such as angelfish and gouramis. Though they hide during the day, they can be lively and active in the evening or when feeding.