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
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Common
- Family
- Nemacheilidae
- Origin
- Native to fast-flowing streams of the Salween basin in Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand, among rocks and gravel in well-oxygenated water.
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.
Common questions
What size tank does a Sumo loach need?
A Sumo loach needs at least 24 gal (90 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a Sumo loach need?
A Sumo loach is comfortable at 72–79°F (22–26°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.5.
How big does a Sumo loach get?
An adult Sumo loach reaches about 3.1 in (8 cm).
Related species
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