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Black-lined loach

Ambastaia nigrolineata

Also known as Black line loach, Botia nigrolineata, Yasuhikotakia nigrolineata

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–81°F (22–27°C)
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
3.1 in (8 cm)
Minimum tank
24 gal (90 L)
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Hard
Rarity
Rare
Origin
Native to the upper Mekong basin across Laos, Thailand and Yunnan in China, in clear, flowing stretches of rivers and streams.
Family
Botiidae

Overview

Keep a group of at least 5 in a tank of 90 litres or more with wood and rock cover, at 22 to 27 C and pH 6.0 to 7.5. It is an omnivore, taking sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp along with some vegetable matter. Active and social, it mixes well with barbs, danios, rasboras and other robust community fish that can keep up with its pace.

In the wild

A slim, active botia loach growing to around 8 cm, with a clean black stripe running the length of a silvery body. It is a close relative of the popular dwarf chain loach and shares its restless, sociable nature. Well-oxygenated water with some flow and a spotless, mature tank keep it healthy, as botiids react badly to poor water quality.

Good to know

It has been shuffled between Botia, Yasuhikotakia and now Ambastaia, a small genus split off from the botia loaches in 2012. Like other botiids it has a sharp, erectile spine below each eye that can catch in nets.

Did you know

It can make faint clicking sounds, especially at feeding time, a trait shared with several of its botia relatives.

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Loaches · Bottom dwellers

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