Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Thailand.
Maximum Size
10cm
Temperature
24-26°C
Water Parameters
Will acclimatise to a wide range of conditions. pH: 6.0-7.0, dH: up to 18 degrees.
Compatibility
Community
Lighting
Medium
Sexual Dimorphism
Mature females fuller bodied. Males in breeding condition can appear slightly more colourful & have a tiny groove under the eye.
Feeding
Catfish pellets, granules, flake and frozen foods
Description
Care
In the wild Zipper Loaches inhabit fast flowing clear streams, brooks and rivers, so within the aquarium they will appreciate well-filtered water with a fairly high flow rate. As a social species, they do best when housed in small groups of 5 or more specimens, and will often be seen congregating together. The substrate should consist of fine smooth sand or fine rounded gravel, and there should be shady areas provided in the form of rocky caves, bogwood and plants. Flat stones and cobbles will further add to the river bed effect. Additional powerheads are recommended in addition to filter outputs in order to create the desired level of flow. Ideally the tank will be at least 3ft long. Zipper Loaches are generally very peaceful and can be kept as part of a community of current-loving fishes.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets/tablets, algae wafers, small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, brineshrimp, and daphnia.
Breeding
This species has been bred in captivity, although most spawnings have been "happy accidents". In the wild, Zipper Loaches spawn from May to June and up to 150 eggs are scattered per spawning. A substrate which incorporates an area of marbles or larger rounded gravel will give any eggs/fry a chance to develop in safety.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish or invertebrates?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
