![]() ![]() Provided that the Zebra Loach is kept in a group with at least 6 animals, it is a peaceful companion, which does not harm any flies. The temperature may be maximum 30☌, optimal would be between 22 and 26☌. The water values should preferably be rather soft with a pH-value between 6-7,5, but it can also be kept in harder water up to a maximum of 30° dGH without any problems. In contrast to other loaches the Zebra Loach is rather diurnal and scurries the whole day through the aquarium. Since Zebra Loaches occasionally swim long distances, sometimes even chasing other fish, care should be taken to provide adequate swimming space. Roots and stones provide hiding places and a dense planting offers retreat. The substrate should be fine sand, which can be rummaged through by the loaches. ![]() Breeding is considered impossible, yet there are reports of accidental breeding.ĭue to their somewhat small size, checkerboard loaches can already be kept in 80 liters. Presumably, however, the females become rounder and plumper. Sex differentiation of checkered loaches is nearly impossible externally. It is a group fish that depends on several individuals of its species and feeds on microorganisms that it filters from mulm. Like other loaches, the checkerboard loach has sub-eye spines that it can erect when threatened. The caudal fin is transparent, but can also be brightly set and show black spots on the outer edges. However, some animals also have a completely dark basic coloration, which is interrupted by bright more or less round spots and bands. Sometimes the upper back is somewhat lighter and divided by a black longitudinal band that extends over the pointed mouth with two pairs of barbels to the root of the caudal fin, but occasionally the belly area is more colorless and may have a silvery sheen. ![]() In the basic coloration the checkerboard loach is rather pastel and shows a dark brown patterning over the entire body, which reminds of a checkerboard, hence its German name. The care is already possible for experienced beginners. These peaceful animals are very tolerant of water parameters, preferring soft water, and are suitable for keeping in community aquariums. Originally from the Chao Phraya River in Thailand and the Mekong River in Indochina, it inhabits rivers as well as ponds and floodplains with boggy and muddy bottoms. The checkerboard loach, Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki, formerly Botia sidthimunki, is one of the most popular loaches due to its fascinating checkerboard pattern and easy care, as well as an average size of 8 cm. ![]()
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