Tri-band sumo loach

Care at a glance

Overview

The tri-band sumo loach is an aggressive bottom fish for a tank with current and caves. It needs a keeper with some experience.

Caring for the tri-band sumo loach

Give the tri-band sumo loach a river-style tank of 24 gal (90 L) or more. Add current, cobbles and a cave that it can own. Keep the temperature at 72 to 79°F (22 to 26°C) and the pH at 6.5 to 7.5. Feed it meaty sinking foods, which keep it content.

Like the sumo loach, it is a one-per-tank fish unless the aquarium is large and broken into many territories. It is aggressive and bullies its own kind and similar bottom dwellers. Keep robust midwater fish above it, and choose any tank mates with caution.

Good to know

The tri-band sumo loach, Schistura ataranensis, belongs to the family Nemacheilidae. It was formally separated in a revision of the Schistura cincticauda group. It is a close relative of the sumo loach, wearing three broad saddle bands where its cousin wears two.

In the wild

The tri-band sumo loach lives in the upper reaches of the Ataran drainage, on the Myanmar side of the Thai border. The water there is flowing and rich in oxygen.

Common questions

Related species

• 

  Sumo loach

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  3.1 in (8 cm)24 gal (90 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

• 

  Sparkling loach

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• 

  Charcoal loach

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• 

  Koh Chang loach

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• 

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  3.9 in (10 cm)29 gal (110 L)64–77°F (18–25°C)

• 

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  2.4 in (6 cm) · 20 gal (75 L)

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