Zebra loaches are endemic to the Western Ghats, and in Maharashtra’s Koyna river basin in the northern Western Ghats, the zebra loach is called “ vaghya” (tiger in Marathi language) alluding to the tiger-like stripes on its body.Loaches belonging to the genus Botia, are listed by Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) as commercially important freshwater ornamental fish.The research also sheds light on the “poor enforcement” of biodiversity regulations and wildlife trade laws within Asia as zebra loach was categorised as endangered in 2011 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature but has not yet been listed in CITES appendices.The study based on an analysis of export-import data on live aquarium fishes from April 2012 to March 2017 from five Indian cities has revealed that as many as 265,610 zebra loach ( Botia striata) individuals were exported from India to sixteen different countries in five years this trade volume amounts to 148 zebra loaches exported per day to feed the international aquarium pet trade.Zebra loach a popular aquarium species is being “unsustainably fished” out of Western Ghats’ waters to grace fish tanks across the world, says a new study underscoring the execution of existing policies and laws to sustainably harvest ornamental fishes in which trade is legal.148 zebra loaches exported per day from Western Ghats to feed global pet trade.

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This fish can survive out of the water and ' walk' as long as kept wet, for a very long time. The albino form is common in the aquarium trade. The blotched upside-down catfish is well suited to aquariums because of its small size (typically 9 or 10 cm or less) and peaceful demeanor. nigriventris prefers bottom feeding on Tubifex (or similar worms), but its main diet consists of algae. Similar to catfish but not in the same genusįirewood catfish, (planiceps) shovelnose catfish Spotted pimelodus, pictus, pictus catfish Needs at least a 2,600 US gallons (9,800 L) tank when mature, even though this does not provide them with the space to show their natural behaviour. Will appreciate blanched vegetables, and/ or algae (wafer or live) Primary diet consists of wood, in aquaria this is provided in the source of drift wood. One of the most popular Hypancistrus species.Ĭlown Pleco ( L104, L162, and LDA22) Leopard sailfin pleco, clown sailfin pleco It is difficult to keep 2 adult common plecos together.

Ĭommon pleco, suckermouth catfish, Amazon sailfin catfishĪdults can become very territorial and aggressive towards each other. It is a peaceful fish that is best kept in good sized groups (6+) in a mature tank with plenty of shady hiding spots amongst plants, driftwood, slate caves, and PVC pipes. Males and female both have long 'bristles' on their nose, the males having distinctly longer ones. The bristlenose genus has at least 59 identified species and many others yet to be named. Threestripe corydoras, leopard catfish, false julii coryĪrmored suckermouth catfish ( plecos, oto, and whiptail) It’s easily intimidated by larger tank mates and won’t compete well for food with them. It’s very peaceful, but doesn’t make an ideal community fish due to its small adult size. Peppered corydoras, salt and pepper catfish Disease should not be a concern provided that you maintain the aquarium to standards. The Emerald Cory Catfish is a very hardy and resilient fish. This list gives some examples of the most common species found in home aquariums.Ĭatfish Armored catfish including Aspidoras, Brochis, Callichthys, and Corydoras A vast number of freshwater species have successfully adapted to live in aquariums.

Zebra loach and salt