Loaches Online Forum

I don't have any. But I've been window shopping .

I've noticed in two local shops that there are zebras (b. striata) with nice colouration and markings but some have pale patches on their flanks, like someone's tried to clean a bit of the pattern off. I'm talking about fish in the 1.5"-2" size bracket.

Is this a juvenile trait - will these pale areas darken? Or is it a "fault" with the particular fish? Or does it perhaps indicate stress or disease?

if these patches are a greyish colour it could be that the mucus has been scuffed off,
but i'd err on the safe side and leave well alone.

it could also be bacteria attacking the fish Richard.

mick