Zebra Loaches

[Bok]

Botia striata.
Saw these in a local fish store. The owner of the store gave me a price, $60 (Canadian) for 5. Then I noticed this week he has 8 :hmm3grin2orange: Seem to be rare here, he's been in business for some time and has never had them before.
Okay, questions!! Background, I've read that a black background is preferrable, they find it more relaxing(?), same with the substrate. Black silica sand. Yes/no?
If I manage the 8 will this be too many for a group? Three empty tanks available. 36x18.5 widex16.5 high, 36x15x15.5 high, 36x12.5x18.5 high. Pick one :) ermmm...are they big enough? This will be a community tank.

[Dave66]

With Botia, the more the merrier, so get all eight. I have a dozen striata in one of my tanks, and of course they get along great and are highly entertaining fish.

Striata top out at four inches, and it'll take a couple years to get that large. The wider depth tank would be a better bet, so you can build a good tight hiding place for the loaches.

Yes, the darker the substrate and background the more intense the fish colors.

By the way, loaches aren't Cichlids. They are Cobitids, which is a family in Cypranidea.

[Bok]

Thanks Dave! I was thinking the same tank. Not cichlids..was wondering 'what the...?' Meant to post in Loaches. (blush)

I'll probably be using black silica used for sandblast. I've read it is quite safe.

[cer]

You know you could buy some online for cheaper.

[Red]

I love these, one of my favorite loaches out there!

[Bok]

You know you could buy some online for cheaper.
I've looked around a bit but there seems to be an availability problem. If you can point me in the right direction (in Canada) it would be much appreciated.

[Hailey]

I have one you can have!!! lol I'm pretty close to kelowna too. Well at least I thought it was one, it was labled as a Golden Zebra loach. I am wanting to give him away though...
pm me if you want