{"product_id":"zipper-loach-acanthocobitis-botia","title":"Zipper Loach","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width: 950px; margin: auto; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; color: #111;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eZipper Loach (Acanthocobitis botia) | Freshwater Loach Fish\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eMost loaches are social and do best in groups. Please check adult size before purchasing, as species like clown loaches and dojo loaches need much larger aquariums than kuhli loaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eZipper Loach (Acanthocobitis botia)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a unique and active bottom-dwelling fish known for its distinctive \u003cstrong\u003ezipper-like pattern\u003c\/strong\u003e running along its body. This fascinating loach is a great addition to freshwater aquariums, especially for hobbyists looking to add movement and personality to the lower levels of the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZipper Loaches thrive in aquariums with \u003cstrong\u003esoft substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e, plenty of hiding spots, and moderate to strong water flow. Their active behavior and interesting appearance make them a standout species for community setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You’ll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinctive zipper-like body pattern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActive and entertaining bottom-dweller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreat for community aquariums with proper tank mates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHelps clean up leftover food\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for aquascaped tanks with flow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Acanthocobitis botia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zipper Loach\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful to semi-aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 4–5 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20+ gallons (larger preferred)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72–80°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivorous (sinking pellets, frozen, live foods)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a \u003cstrong\u003esoft sand substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e to protect their barbels, along with rocks, driftwood, and plants for hiding. Moderate to strong water flow helps replicate their natural environment and keeps them active and healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZipper Loaches do well with other peaceful to moderately active fish. Avoid very aggressive species or slow-moving fish with long fins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDanios and rasboras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGouramis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther loaches (with enough space)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed a varied diet of sinking pellets, wafers, and frozen or live foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. They will also scavenge for leftover food along the bottom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Zipper Loaches aggressive?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are generally peaceful but can show mild territorial behavior with other bottom dwellers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo they need sand substrate?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, sand is recommended to protect their sensitive barbels and encourage natural behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo Zipper Loaches clean the tank?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey help clean up leftover food but should still be fed a proper diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan they live in community tanks?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, they are a great addition to community tanks with compatible species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52320710787285,"sku":null,"price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_4beb5519-fde2-4c63-9b21-927e0c921e9f.jpg?v=1762980969","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/zipper-loach-acanthocobitis-botia","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}