−14%
Intermediate
Schistura vinciguerrae
20–26°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 60L
£12.03£13.99
Western Ghats Zebra Loach for oxygen-rich stream aquariums. Reaches 5.8 cm; provide gravel, rock shelters, useful flow and careful tank mates.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Nemacheilus triangularis
Zebra Loach are a shoaling species — they need 6+ to feel safe and show their full colour. Larger shoals stay calmer, eat better, and look stunning.
Western Ghats Zebra Loach for oxygen-rich stream aquariums. Reaches 5.8 cm; provide gravel, rock shelters, useful flow and careful tank mates.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Zebra Loach (Nemacheilus triangularis) is a small Western Ghats brook loach with dark triangular or saddle-like markings over a pale body. It is also known in aquarium literature as the Batik Loach or Zodiac Loach, and many sources use the combination Mesonoemacheilus triangularis. FishBase currently lists a maximum published length of 5.8 cm standard length.
This is a stream fish rather than a general algae-control loach. It needs clean, well-oxygenated water, useful flow, a gravel-and-rock layout and several secure shelters. It can be kept alone or with others of its kind when the aquarium gives each fish its own refuge. Its territorial, lively behaviour makes careful tank-mate selection more important than the old "peaceful beginner fish" label suggested.
The live product selector is the source for current price and availability. Eligible livestock orders are covered by the Live Arrival Guarantee when the published receiving and evidence terms are followed.
| Supplier and FishBase name | Nemacheilus triangularis (Day, 1865) |
|---|---|
| Alternative combination | Mesonoemacheilus triangularis |
| Other common names | Batik Loach, Zodiac Loach |
| Family | Nemacheilidae, the brook loaches |
| Native range | Southern India, including Kerala and Kanyakumari District in Tamil Nadu |
| Maximum published size | 5.8 cm standard length |
| Temperature | 20-26 C; FishBase gives 21-26 C |
| pH | 7.0-7.5 |
| Water hardness | Medium hardness; specialist guidance gives a maximum around 12 dH |
| Practical aquarium baseline | 80 litres with a long bottom footprint; use more space for a group |
| Temperament | Lively and territorial around preferred shelters |
| Diet | Small sinking foods plus frozen or live invertebrate foods |
| Care level | Moderate because oxygen, flow, substrate and social space all matter |
The Shopify title Zebra Loach (Nemacheilus triangularis) is retained because it is the supplier-linked identity for SKU K080. FishBase also displays Nemacheilus triangularis. Aquarium and taxonomic literature frequently uses Mesonoemacheilus triangularis, while Batik Loach and Zodiac Loach are established common names for the same fish.
| Name | How it is used here |
|---|---|
| Nemacheilus triangularis | Supplier title anchor and current FishBase display name |
| Mesonoemacheilus triangularis | Alternative genus combination used by field studies and loach specialists |
| Zebra Loach | The common name used for this product |
| Batik Loach / Zodiac Loach | Useful trade names that distinguish it from similarly named Botia species |
Do not confuse this fish with the larger Zebra Loach Botia striata or with YoYo Loaches. Similar common names do not mean the fish share the same adult size, behaviour or habitat requirements.
FishBase records the species from Kerala and Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu and describes it from streams with pebbly bottoms. A 2024 field study in a wooded tributary of the Pamba River found Mesonoemacheilus triangularis using gravel-filled microhabitats near banks and shelters. These observations explain the fish's preference for the lower water layers, firm current breaks and close access to cover.
Build the aquarium around a stream-style bottom rather than a dense decorative maze. Use smooth gravel, rounded pebbles and larger stable rocks, with caves or gaps that cannot collapse. Sand can be included in quieter pockets, but a completely soft, still-bottom layout misses the flowing, gravel-rich character of the natural habitat.
Plants are optional. Hardy plants attached to wood or stone can add shade without occupying every refuge. Keep an open route along the front or centre so the fish can forage between cover. A secure lid is sensible because active stream fish may explore gaps, particularly when newly introduced.
The checked biological sources do not publish a formal minimum aquarium volume. For retail planning, 80 litres with a long footprint is a sensible baseline for one fish or a carefully observed small group. Floor area, shelter count and water movement matter more than height. Choose a larger aquarium when keeping several Zebra Loaches or adding other bottom dwellers.
| Planning point | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint | Prefer a long aquarium over a tall compact tank | The fish uses the bottom and moves between shelters |
| Refuges | Provide more secure hiding places than territorial fish | Reduces competition for one preferred cave |
| Rockwork | Set rocks directly and securely before fish are added | Prevents shifting structures and trapped fish |
| Open route | Leave a clear gravel or pebble lane | Supports normal foraging and observation |
| Group space | Increase footprint and visual barriers for each additional loach | Groups can work only when individuals can separate |
A group of four is not a biological requirement established by the checked sources. Loaches Online reports that the species can be kept alone or in a group when enough hiding places are supplied. Watch actual behaviour and be ready to separate a persistently bullied fish.
Use a stable temperature of 20-26 C and pH 7.0-7.5. FishBase gives 21-26 C, while specialist aquarium guidance extends the lower end to 20 C and describes medium-hard water up to about 12 dH. This makes the species a better fit for a moderately cool, oxygen-rich aquarium than for a permanently hot tropical community.
| Parameter | Working range or action |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 20-26 C, stable rather than repeatedly adjusted |
| pH | 7.0-7.5 |
| Hardness | Medium; up to about 12 dH in specialist guidance |
| Ammonia and nitrite | Zero in a fully cycled aquarium |
| Oxygen | Strong surface movement and good circulation throughout the lower levels |
| Current | Useful directional flow with calmer pockets behind rocks |
Use a mature filter with enough biological capacity for the whole aquarium. Aim the outlet so water moves across part of the bottom without forcing fish to swim hard everywhere. An air stone or spray bar can improve gas exchange, especially in warm weather when water holds less oxygen. Cover strong intake slots with an appropriate guard so a small bottom fish cannot be drawn against them.
Carry out regular partial water changes based on measured waste accumulation and stocking. Rinse mechanical media as needed while protecting established biological media. A sudden temperature, pH or flow change is more stressful than a stable value near one end of the suitable range.
Zebra Loaches are active, feisty brook loaches. They may defend a cave, rock gap or feeding area, especially when several bottom fish compete for the same small space. This does not make them community-proof predators, but it does mean "peaceful with everything" is not an accurate promise.
| Companion type | Planning guidance |
|---|---|
| Active midwater fish in the same temperature range | Often the easiest companions because they do not compete for caves |
| Other stream loaches | Possible only with a generous footprint, many refuges and close observation |
| Slow or long-finned fish | Avoid; lively territorial behaviour can cause persistent stress or fin damage |
| Very small timid bottom fish | Use caution because they may lose food and shelter access |
| Large aggressive fish | Avoid because a 5.8 cm brook loach can be intimidated or injured |
Introduce bottom dwellers only after mapping the adult territory needs of every species. Add multiple feeding points and check after lights-out that shy fish receive food. Compatibility depends on aquarium dimensions and individual behaviour, not merely a species list.
This fish is not a dependable algae or snail-control purchase. Specialist care notes list bloodworm, brine shrimp and mysis among preferred foods. In the aquarium, offer a varied menu that reaches the bottom: quality sinking micro-pellets or small loach granules, plus suitably sized frozen or live invertebrate foods.
| Food | Role | How to offer it |
|---|---|---|
| Sinking micro-pellets or loach granules | Regular staple | Place small portions near more than one refuge |
| Bloodworm, brine shrimp or mysis | Frozen or live variety | Use controlled portions that are eaten promptly |
| Daphnia or small insect larvae | Additional invertebrate variety | Choose pieces the fish can swallow safely |
| Algae wafer fragments | Occasional supplementary food | Do not treat them as proof that the fish is an algae specialist |
Feed once or twice daily in small amounts, adjusting for the whole community. Remove food trapped where it will decay. A fish that stops competing for food, breathes rapidly or remains pinned in one shelter needs immediate water-quality and social checks rather than extra food.
The body is elongated and suited to working close to the stream bed. Dark triangular, saddle-like or irregular bars create the batik or zodiac pattern over a pale cream, gold or brown ground colour. Marking strength can change with lighting, background, stress and individual variation.
FishBase records 5.8 cm standard length as the maximum published size. Standard length excludes the tail fin, so overall nose-to-tail length will be slightly greater. Plan around the published adult measurement, not the size of a young fish at dispatch.
Reliable external sex differences are not established in the checked specialist profile. Mature females may look fuller when carrying eggs, but body shape alone is not a safe way to promise a sex at sale size.
Loaches Online reports that the species has been bred in captivity using a spawning mop. That is useful evidence that aquarium breeding is possible, but it does not justify the old page's unsupported claim that simply warming the water and feeding heavily will trigger spawning.
Keep any breeding attempt separate from routine community care. Start with mature, well-conditioned fish, excellent water quality and a protected spawning medium. Record the actual temperature, flow and behaviour rather than changing several parameters at once. Eggs or fry must be protected from adults and filter intakes. Because detailed repeatable breeding data are limited, this should be treated as an experienced keeper project.
Prepare a fully cycled aquarium before delivery. Keep lights low while the fish settles and follow the current acclimation instructions supplied with the order. Do not pour transport water into the display aquarium, and quarantine new livestock where practical.
During the first days, check breathing, balance, skin, fins, refuge use and feeding response. Also confirm that water reaches the lower shelters rather than circulating only at the surface. If a fish hides continuously, inspect temperature, oxygen, ammonia, nitrite and aggression before assuming that it is simply nocturnal.
FishBase records a maximum published length of 5.8 cm standard length. Standard length excludes the tail fin, so total nose-to-tail length is slightly greater.
No. This listing is SKU K080, Nemacheilus triangularis, also widely called Mesonoemacheilus triangularis, Batik Loach or Zodiac Loach. Botia striata is a different fish that also uses the common name Zebra Loach.
Not necessarily. Specialist guidance says it can be kept alone or in a group when there are enough shelters. A group needs a larger footprint and at least one useful refuge per fish.
Use 20-26 C. FishBase gives 21-26 C, while specialist aquarium guidance includes 20 C. Avoid companions that require persistently hotter water.
Do not buy it as an algae or snail-control fish. Its care should centre on sinking prepared foods and small frozen or live invertebrate foods.
Use smooth gravel, rounded pebbles and stable rocks with some quieter sand areas if desired. Avoid sharp material that can damage a bottom-foraging fish.
They can in a sufficiently large aquarium, but territorial shelter use must be planned. Provide multiple caves, visual breaks and feeding points, then monitor every fish.
The supplier and current FishBase display use Nemacheilus triangularis. Field studies and specialist aquarium references also use Mesonoemacheilus triangularis. Both names are included transparently so older and newer references can be compared.
Browse the loaches and algae eaters collection. For other stream-oriented fish, compare Mahnert's Loach, Polka Dotted Loach, Schistura vinciguerrae, Homaloptera species and Sewellia lineolata. These are research comparisons, not automatic tank-mate approvals.
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