Common name: None known.
Synonyms: Unknown at the present time.
Distribution: Irrawaddy basin, Myanmar.
Sexual Dimorphism: Unknown. Mature males are said to have 'puffed cheeks' when viewed head-on. Mature females likely to have a much rounder abdomen.
Maximum size: 8cm (3").
Similar to: Schistura balteata, Schistura paucifasciata, Schistura cincticauda, Schistura robertsi
Care: As with other species of Schistura, this is a territorial species that should be provided with numerous hiding places amongst bogwood, plants, rocky caves and cobbles. When keeping more than one specimen it is important to create visual barriers between each hiding place. Although quite a shy species, it can be nippy towards it's own kind (or other Nemacheiline loaches) when defending its territory.
Ideally, these loaches should be provided with brook/hillstream aquarium conditions incorporating a high flow rate and well oxygenated water - please see Hillstream Loaches: The Specialists at Life in the Fast Lane for a more detailed explanation.
Dither fish such as some species of Danio, Rasbora, Barb, and Tetra make good candidates for tankmates. Will not bother 'sucker-belly' type hillstream loach species.
Feeding: Will eagerly accept most aquarium fare offered - sinking catfish pellets, flake, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, brineshrimp, daphnia etc.
Water parameters: pH: 6-7.5, Hardness: soft and slightly acidic is best. Max dh: 12.
Temperature: 73ºF to 79ºF (23-26°C)
Breeding: No Reports
Notes: Distinguished from the Schistura balteata by its colour pattern consisting of 2-4 black vertical bars below dorsal fin.
Picture Credit: Thomas Frank
