However this species is listed on the IUCN Red List as Data Deficient (DD). Because of this the waters are highly polluted and there is concern about the well being of the aquatic life in the area. These Loaches have been recorded in tributary drainages of the Zhu Jang systems which is one of the most populous and industrialized in China. Other common names it is known by are Botia Robusta, its earlier scientific name, and Kansu Loach, derived from one of its places of origin, the Gansu (Kansu) Province in China. It was first described by Wu in 1939 from a species found in Li Kiang of southern China, and later by Mai 1978 from the Tây-Giang (Hsi-Chiang or West River) of China. The Chinese Golden Zebra Loach Sinibotia robusta (previously Botia Robusta) is found in Asia from the Pearl River basin in southeastern China and in northern Viet Nam in the Cao Bang Province.

Coldwater Fish – Looking for cold water fish? (65 °).Similar size fish – Fish that are 1 inch bigger or smaller.Community Fish – Peaceful Freshwater fish.Beginner Fish – Freshwater fish for beginners.They also like a planted aquarium but with open space for swimming.įor Information on keeping freshwater fish, see:įreshwater Aquarium Guide: Aquarium Setup and Care Like all loaches the Botia Robusta will appreciate lots of hiding and resting places in caves, rocks, and roots. The water can be medium to hard and they can handle a fairly broad temperature range. The Chinese Golden Zebra Loach is one of the loaches that can be acclimated to a brackish type aquarium. They also enjoy snacking on snails, so are good for snail control. Because they are naturally nocturnal, they will be active at dusk and in the evening. They can be kept in small groups of their own species (three or more), but they are also a more independent loach and can be kept singly as well. They have been reported to occasionally nip the fins of their tank mates when feeling agitated. Though generally a good community fish with other loaches and tank mates, the Botia Robusta are quite active and can get aggressive. The pectoral fins are a translucent yellow. The dark bands also tend to fork into two narrower strips at about the center and as they wrap under the belly. There is a horizontal striping across the head and through the eyes, followed by dark vertical bands along the rest of the body and through the dorsal and tail fin. The golden and black coloration is found on the Botia Robusta both as a juvenile and as an adult. This name comes from one of its places of origin, which is the Gansu (Kansu) Province in China. Besides being now called the Chinese Golden Zebra Loach, it is also known as the Kansu Loach. But as things get sorted out in the taxonomical and aquarium worlds, handsome fish like this one also get sorted out. This loach was previously just simple known as Botia Robusta, which was also its earlier scientific name. True to its name, this loach has a yellowish or golden background color with black bar markings. This loach is quite the elegant looker with its rich golden body and contrasting bold black bands. The Chinese Golden Zebra Loach Sinibotia robusta is a lively darling, and fun to watch. The Botia Robusta has been given a truly fitting name, the Chinese Golden Zebra Loach!

Golden zebra loach male or female