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Photo of: Zipper Loach (Acanthocobitis botia)
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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
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| 60°F |
65°F |
70°F |
75°F |
80°F |
85°F |
90°F |
| pH 5.0 |
pH 6.0 |
pH 7.0 |
pH 8.0 |
pH 9.0 |
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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.
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African Catfish
