Botia striata

Numerous narrow, slanting dark stripes and often reddish mouthparts distinguish this loach from more blotched Botia.

Adult length: Up to 7.8 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 21–26 °C
Lifespan: 5–8 years
pH: 6–7.5
Hardness: 1–10 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits partly forest-shaded rivers; recorded substrates include bedrock, boulders, cobbles, gravel, sand and leaves.

Needs regular feeding, shelter and a mature, stable aquarium.

Appearance and identification

Fine, slanting stripes contrast with the pale spots within an adult B. kubotai’s dark network, and with the three broad bands of the clown loach.

Floor and movement space

A 120 × 30 cm base.

Aquarium environment

May eat soft-leaved plants. Ornamental snails and shrimp may be at risk.

Diet and feeding

Offer varied, suitably sized prepared food and frozen or live small animal foods, with suitable plant foods. Snail-eating does not replace feeding.

Same-species behaviour

Keep at least five or six, preferably ten or more.

Compatibility limits

Keep a group with several safe shelters in a mature, stable aquarium. Ornamental snails and shrimp may be at risk; slow-moving or long-finned tankmates need care.

Sources

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

aquaticarts.com ↗ 2026-10-22