Zebra Loach/Botia?

[nickbuter]

I found a pretty neat fish over the weekend, the name on the tank was zebra botia. I had never seen anything like it before, and I can't find a whole lot of information on it. I wanted to add another bottom feeder, but I am not sure would would be compatible, it's a 29 gallon heavily planted tank. I wanted to add something other than cory cats.

 

[fishpoor]

Zebra loach is usually the common name for botia straita. Need to be kept in groups. Will play with each other but are usually peaceful. They do very well in a planted tank with lots of hiding places. Mine used to "click" when they were young, but seem to have outgrown it, I miss their talking. Some people say they eat snails, I don't know if this is true because I have several different loaches and have never actually seen who ate my snails, but whoever did it even got my big ramshorns. BE very careful, loaches are addictive.

 

[Archangel]

Botia Striata. Pretty much the same profile as Yo-Yos, but a bit less nippy. Like to be in groups, or they bother your other fish a bit. I have 3 currently, and they are definitely active little guys. Heard they max out at 4"s, but mine haven't grown much in the 6 months I've had them.