Spotted Stone Loach (Schistura notostigma) Breeding Guide

Breeding overview for Schistura notostigma, a Sri Lankan Nemacheilidae stone loach; aquarium spawning unrecorded, honest genus notes.

Overview

Schistura notostigma is a stone loach of the genus Schistura, family Nemacheilidae. The genus is the most species-rich among nemacheilid loaches, with over 200 recognised species in streams and rivers of southern and eastern Asia, all adapted to fast-flowing water. Aquarium spawning of this species has not been documented.

Sexing

Sexing in Schistura is subtle. As documented for the congener Schistura balteata, males may display enlarged mouthparts and 'cheeks', most visible from above or head-on, while females tend to be slightly thicker-bodied, particularly when full of eggs.

Breeding Setup

Schistura loaches are associated with clear, well-oxygenated, fast-flowing water around headwaters, with substrates of coarse sand, gravel, rocks and boulders and little aquatic vegetation. Recreating this high-gradient stream is the basis for any breeding attempt.