Zipper Loach (Acanthocobitis botia)

Scientific Name(s): Acanthocobitis botia, Botia nebulosa, Cobitis botia, Nemacheilus botia, Nemacheilus botia botia, Nemachilus botia, Nemachilus mackenziei

 

Common Name(s): Sand Loach, Mottled Loach, Spot Loach, Striped Loach, Zipper Loach

 

Family: Balitoridae

 

Species Type: Asian Loaches/Catfish

 

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.

 

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.

 

Temperature Range 72°F - 82°F

60°F

65°F

70°F

75°F

80°F

85°F

90°F

 

pH Range 6.8 - 7.5

pH 5.0

pH 6.0

pH 7.0

pH 8.0

pH 9.0

 

Hardness 20° - 25°

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10°

20°

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40°

 

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.

 

Temperment: Peaceful community fish.

 

Common Diseases: None specific to species.

 

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Zipper Loach (Acanthocobitis botia)