Zebra loach

Behaviour and habits

The zebra loach is a peaceful, sociable bottom-dweller with neat vertical stripes and a calm, deliberate manner. Unlike shy loaches it is active by day, exploring caves, resting in groups on the substrate and hunting small pest snails. It is smaller and gentler than the clown loach, which makes it a good choice for a modest community tank, and in a group of five or more it is confident and full of character.

What to feed, and how often

Sinking pellets plus frozen bloodworm and daphnia, fed once or twice a day; it also eats small snails. It is not fussy, but it needs its share at the bottom before faster fish take it, and a varied diet keeps it in condition.

Water changes and maintenance

Change about 25% weekly with a gentle substrate vacuum. It needs soft sand, caves and clean, well-oxygenated water to keep its skin healthy, and it does best in a group.

Care and how easy it is

Keep a group of five or more with caves and cover; smaller and calmer than the clown loach, but still an active, sociable fish.

Common health problems

Prone to ich (it has small scales) and to 'skinny disease' from internal parasites.

If it gets sick

Quarantine and deworm new loaches, and treat ich with warmth and medication, watching the group closely.