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Sumo loach

Schistura balteata

Also known as Banded sumo loach, Half-banded loach, Nemacheilus balteatus

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH
6.5–7.5
Adult size
3.1 in (8 cm)
Minimum tank
24 gal (90 L)
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Common
Origin
Native to fast-flowing streams of the Salween basin in Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand, among rocks and gravel in well-oxygenated water.
Family
Nemacheilidae

Overview

Best kept singly, as a compatible pair, or in a larger group of 10 or more in a tank of 90 litres or more, at 22 to 26 C and pH 6.5 to 7.5, since small groups of three or four fight. It is an omnivore that takes sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp. It is nippy and food-driven, so avoid slow, long-finned or timid tankmates and do not house it with shrimp or tiny fish it can eat.

In the wild

A stocky stream loach reaching about 8 cm, marked with orange to cream bands over a dark body. It comes from cool, fast, oxygen-rich water and does best with brisk flow and clean conditions. It is territorial and will defend a favourite cave or crevice, so provide several hiding spots to spread out aggression.

Good to know

It belongs to the stone loach family Nemacheilidae, and much of the trade material may be an undescribed close relative sold under the same name. Body colour shifts with mood and dominance, brightening or fading through the day.

Did you know

The common name comes from the way rival fish shove and body-slam each other over territory, wrestling like sumo.

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Bottom dwellers

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