Scientific name: Nemacheilus ornatus (Kottelat 1990)
Common name: Ornate Sand Loach
Synonyms: None
Distribution: Tapi River basin, Thailand
Sexual Dimorphism: Not known
Maximum size: 2 inches (2cm)
Similar to: Nemacheilus binotatus
Care: The aquarium should have a decent flow rate and be well-oxygenated. A substrate of fine sand to allow digging and lots of smooth rounded pebbles and numerous shelters such as bogwood and slate. Reasonably bright lighting to simulate the shallow stream beds in which they are found.
Feeding: Most foods accepted. Commercial sinking formulations and bottom-dwelling live-foods. Frozen foods such as Bloodworm, Brine shrimp, Daphnia.
Water parameters: pH: 6.0-7.5 Hardness: Soft-medium Max dh: 12
Temperature: 71.6ºF to 78.8 ºF (22-26°C)
Breeding: None reported in aquarium
Notes: As with all flora and fauna given the nomenclature of "ornatus", this is a very handsome small Nemacheiline that is closely related to Nemacheilus binotatus. Both have translucent bodies with a black lateral stripe (depending upon mood). While N. binotatus has only two vertical hash marks above the pectoral
fin, N. ornatus has 12-14 vertical hashes, regularly-spaced from gill to tail. All fins are clear and colorless.
Caption: Nemacheilus ornatus
Credit: Kamphol Udomritthiruj
Caption: Nemacheilus ornatus
Credit: Kamphol Udomritthiruj