Red-Tailed Zebra Loach – Vibrant, Playful, and Efficient Algae Eater

Introduce a splash of color and excitement to your aquarium with the Red-Tailed Zebra Loach (Botia striata), an eye-catching and energetic species known for its bold zebra-like stripes and bright red tail. Native to the rivers and streams of Southeast Asia, this loach adds a dynamic presence to your tank with its playful behavior and distinctive appearance.

The Red-Tailed Zebra Loach is easily recognizable by its striking black and gold vertical stripes that run across its body, paired with a vibrant red or orange tail that stands out against its patterned body. This loach is not only visually captivating but also a highly active and inquisitive species that loves to explore the aquarium. Whether darting around the tank or foraging for food, the Red-Tailed Zebra Loach keeps the action constant in your aquarium.

Peaceful and social, this loach thrives in groups and is best kept in schools of 3 or more. It is an excellent algae eater, constantly grazing on algae, detritus, and leftover food, helping to maintain a cleaner tank environment. With its lively nature and algae-eating abilities, the Red-Tailed Zebra Loach is a fantastic addition to community tanks, where it gets along well with other peaceful fish.

Key Features:

• Striking Appearance: Bold black and gold zebra stripes with a vibrant red tail make this loach a visual highlight in any aquarium

• Energetic & Playful: Active and inquisitive, the Red-Tailed Zebra Loach adds constant movement and entertainment to your tank

• Peaceful & Social: A friendly species that thrives in groups and gets along well with other non-aggressive fish

• Algae Eater: Helps keep your aquarium clean by consuming algae, detritus, and leftover food

• Adaptable: Can thrive in a wide range of freshwater aquarium setups with proper care

Care Guidelines:

• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a small group (3 or more)

• Water Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

• pH Range: 6.5–7.5

• Diet: Omnivorous – feeds on algae, sinking pellets, live or frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), and plant matter

• Lifespan: 5–7 years with proper care

Tip: The Red-Tailed Zebra Loach loves a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots, such as caves, rocks, or driftwood, where it can retreat when it feels the need for privacy. A fine substrate is ideal to protect its sensitive barbels, which it uses for foraging along the tank bottom.

With its striking appearance, lively personality, and helpful algae-eating habits, the Red-Tailed Zebra Loach is a wonderful addition to any community tank. It offers both beauty and functionality, creating a cleaner, more vibrant aquarium for you to enjoy.