Scientific name: Schistura similis (Kottelat, 1990)
Common name: None
Synonyms: None
Distribution: Salween basin, Myanmar
Sexual Dimorphism: None known. Females probably plumper.
Maximum size: 2.5 - 3inches (6 -7.75cm)
Similar to: Other Schistura species
Care: Typical Schistura species. The aquarium should have a good flow rate and be well-oxygenated. Provide piles of large pebbles or slate to create hiding places. The rest of the aquarium base should have smooth rounded pebbles and sand or fine grained gravel with reasonably bright lighting. 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 bred in aquarium.
Notes: Schistura similis are territorial like most Schistura, and should be housed in an aquarium featuring multiple hiding places and decor designed to break line of sight between territories. Do not house with delicate species.
The ID is made by M. Kottelat, with the remark that the ID was made from pictures and without any information of collection site, since it is an aquarium specimen.
Caption: Schistura similis
Credit: Ola Ahlander
Caption: Schistura similis
Credit: Craig Morrison