Dwarf Chain Loach (Ambastaia sidthimunki)

Dwarf Chain Loach Ambastaia sidthimunki
Name	Dwarf Chain Loach
Name Lat.	Ambastaia sidthimunki
Synonym	Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki
Family	Pointface Loaches
Family lat.	Botiidae
Order	Carps
Order lat.	Cypriniformes
Origin	South Asia
Habitat	Tributaries
Diet	Omnivore
pH	6.0-7.5
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Group
Care Level	Difficult
Reproduction	Egg scatterer
Breeding	None reported
Life Span	8-12 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	6 cm
Temperature	24-28 °C
Hardness	2-12 °dH
Aquarium	~ 100 l
US Units
Size	2.5"
Temperature	75-82 °F
Hardness	36-214 ppm
Aquarium	~ 25 gal

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area of the checkerboard loach are tributaries of the Chao Phraya and the Mae Klong in Thailand. They live in shady, clear and slow flowing waters with dead wood, roots and foliage.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have dense planting, shady hiding places (roots, stones, caves), subdued light (floating plants), sufficient swimming space and a weak current. In order not to injure their barbels, a fine-grained substrate (sand, round gravel) is ideal, which can be covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves)

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

The food supply consists of live food, such as snails, daphnia, mysis, artemia and mosquito larvae, which are also eaten in frozen form without any problems, plus commercially available frozen special food mixtures, supplemented with high-quality dry food (flakes, granules, tablets). In addition, they need regular vegetable food, such as zucchini, avocado, broccoli or scalded spinach, as well as dry food with high vegetable content (e.g. spirulina, kelp).

It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes). A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

They are sociable fish that can be well socialized in the group with not too small fish. Individually kept animals sometimes behave aggressively towards other fish. At least 5 checkerboard loaches should be kept together.

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

There are no definite distinguishing characteristics. Adult females are slightly larger and rounder than males of the same age.

Reproduction and breeding

There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.

Important

They are mostly crepuscular and stay mostly hidden in caves or under rocks and roots during the day. The tank needs a good cover, because they jump occasionally

By rapidly sucking in and expelling water through their mouths, they can produce clearly audible cracking sounds that are probably important for territorial behavior. A strict hierarchy prevails within the group

The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Werner Winter; Image: Ruinemans Aquarium B.V. 

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF