Scientific name: Schistura menanensis (Smith, 1945)
Common name: None
Synonyms: Noemacheilus menanensis
Distribution: Chao Phraya basin in Thailand
Sexual Dimorphism: None known. Females probably plumper.
Maximum size: 2.5 inches (6 -7cm)
Similar to: Other Schistura species
Care: Schistura menanensis are found in moderate to rapidly flowing large tributaries and small streams, often in riffles. The aquarium should have a decent flow rate and be well-oxygenated. The rest of the aquarium should have smooth rounded pebbles and sand or fine grained gravel with reasonably bright lighting to simulate the shallow stream beds in which they are found. Please see Hillstream Loaches: Specialists at Life in the Fast Lane for a more detailed explanation.
Feeding: Most foods accepted. Commercial sinking formulations and bottom-dwelling live-foods. Frozen foods such as Bloodworm/Brine shrimp.
Water parameters: pH: 6.0-7.5 Hardness: Soft-medium. Max dh: 12
Temperature: 68ºF to 77 ºF (18-25°C)
Breeding: Not known in aquarium.
Notes: Seems to be a fairly typical Schistura species. Territorial, and therefore needs plenty of defined areas to form territories within the aquarium, helping to reduce skirmishes.
Apparently often collected as a by-catch with Yasuhikotakia nigrolineata, but unlikely to reach the retail ormamental fish trade as a contaminant, due to ease of sorting from that species. Would likely arrive mixed with other Schistura species.
Caption: Schistura menanensis
Credit: Anuratana Tejavej