Zebra Loach

The Western Ghats is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, known for its tropical evergreen forests and designation as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area experiences two seasons, a 3 month monsoon season and a 9 month dry season. The zebra loach's range is restricted to four different rivers: the Tunga and Bhadra rivers of Karnataka, and the Panchganga river and Koyna river in the state of Maharashtra. Overall, their entire distribution is inside of an area about 400km² in size.

Population and conservation status. According to the IUCN, the zebra loach is endangered due to habitat alteration from deforestation and pollution combined with their small geographic range. Little is known about their actual population size, but generally they are thought to be in decline given their Red List status and the high number of wild specimens exported every year. Few conservation efforts are underway, but at least part of their habitat is protected within the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.

Habitat, and Ecology. They are known to inhabit clear mountain streams, preferring waterways with pebble or gravel beds. They are found in water with a pH between 6.0 - 8.0, dH between 5-12, and temperatures from 23 - 26°C. Zebra loaches are omnivores, feeding on phytoplankton and crustaceans within the substrate. B. …

B. striata will accept a wide variety of fish foods, including live food, such as tubifex, blackworms, snails, and small shrimp, most commercial brands of fish food, and vegetables like spinach or zucchini. They prefer a diet high in crude protein (40%+), and it has been shown that feeding four times a day increases their growth rate and potentially reduces stress.