Dwarf Chain Loach care guide
Dwarf Chain Loach (Ambastaia sidthimunki) — minimum tank 60 L, temperature 24-28 °C, pH 6-7.5.
Overview
The Dwarf Chain Loach (Ambastaia sidthimunki) is a small botiid loach native to a restricted range in northern Thailand and adjacent Myanmar. The species shows a distinctive chain-like pattern of dark spots along a pale gold body.
Taxonomy
- Family: Botiidae
- Genus: Ambastaia
- Scientific name: Ambastaia sidthimunki
- Common synonyms: Sidthimunki Loach
Habitat
Found in slow-flowing tributaries of the Mae Klong and upper Salween drainages with rocky and sandy substrates, submerged wood and dense vegetation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L (15.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 4-6 cm
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
An omnivore. Offer sinking pellets, granules and small live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and daphnia; the species will also consume small snails.
Compatibility
A peaceful social loach that must be kept in groups of at least six. Compatible with peaceful active cyprinids, gouramis and other small loaches. Avoid pairing with very small invertebrates such as dwarf shrimp.
Breeding
Captive breeding is rarely achieved by hobbyists; commercial stocks are produced via hormonal induction in Asian hatcheries.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered. Wild populations have suffered severe decline from habitat alteration and historical over-collection; aquarium specimens today are mostly captive-bred.