Golden zebra loach

Sinibotia pulchra

Dark bars, pale gold gaps, marked head and oblique tail bands.

Adults have an elongated flexible body with dark brown bars separated by pale golden gaps; some bars branch or join across the back. Irregular head marks and broad oblique bands on a forked tail add detail. Similar S. robusta is generally deeper-bodied as an adult.

Adult length: Up to 10 cm
Water temperature: 20–25.5 °C
pH: 6.5–8
Hardness: 2–15 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits slow to moderately flowing streams and main river channels, usually with clear water and sometimes aquatic plants.

Keep at 20–25.5°C, pH 6.5–8, GH 2–15 dGH. Use mature, clean, oxygenated water with some current. Keep the aquarium covered. Reaches 110 mm SL.

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Appearance and identification

Adult pulchra is slimmer with fine head marks and oblique tail bands; robusta is generally deeper-bodied and its bars divide as it grows. Mixed shipments occur, so trade names or juvenile bar counts alone are insufficient.

Floor and movement space

Allow at least a 120 × 30 cm base or equivalent usable area, with several retreats.

Aquarium environment

Shade-tolerant attached plants, wood and smooth rocks can provide cover above fine sand or small rounded gravel. Retain quiet refuges and open routes; avoid sharp edges and trapping holes.

Diet and feeding

Deliberately offer suitable sinking foods and varied small animal foods, checking each fish feeds. Do not rely on scraps for snail control.

Same-species behaviour

Start with three or four conspecifics. Small groups still form hierarchies, with subordinate fish sometimes stopping feeding; consider shelter, pursuit and access to food.

Compatibility limits

Often reclusive between meals but more active when feeding. Peaceful temperament; companions still need compatible conditions. It is not a leftover-cleaning tool.

Sources

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

api.gbif.org ↗ 2026-10-22