Zipper Loach

The zipper loach gets its name from the rounded to triangular dark blotches along its lateral line, which look like the teeth of a zipper. It has dark saddles on the back, and on the upper part of the caudal peduncle a dark eyespot that is more distinct in juveniles. It was once thought to live across much of South Asia; today some of those populations are regarded as separate species. Fish in the trade are collected from the wild.

• At least 100 liters and 80 cm of length for a group of 6.
• 21–26°C, pH 6.5–7.5.
• Strong flow and plenty of oxygen; a mountain stream layout, rounded stones and gravel.
• It is sensitive to pollution; a 30–50% water change every week.

In the wild it feeds mostly on insect larvae. It accepts sinking dry foods, but frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworms should be given regularly.

Peaceful and hardy. Some individuals may nip the fins of their own kind. When kept alone or in small numbers it becomes timid.

Good companions: danios, devarios, current-loving rasboras, peaceful barbs.

Avoid: aggressive Schistura species of the same size, cichlids that claim the bottom, large botias.