Dwarf Chain Loach

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the Mae Klong river basin in Thailand and some bordering areas. Inhabits quiet oxbows, swampy streams and slow-flowing rivers characterized by dense aquatic meadows and muddy bottoms rich in decomposing foliage.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Known as the Dwarf Chain Loach, today reclassified in the genus Ambastaia (formerly Botia or Yasuhikotakia). It is the smallest Cobitid in the world in its genus: barely reaches 5.5 - 6 cm (2-2.5 inches) in length. Pointed snout and slender body.

Social Behavior: Hyperactive, tireless and strictly gregarious. Spends the days spasmodically exploring every leaf, ravine or trunk of the aquarium. MANDATORY to keep in schools of at least 6-8 individuals; alone it gets sick from stress, dying in a short time.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Stunning checkered or "chain" livery. The belly is silver, while the back is crossed by two thick longitudinal black stripes intersected by vertical bars, which form a mesh pattern. Gravid females appear decidedly stockier than males.

Aquarium Setup: Extremely lively: require tanks of at least 80 cm (32 inches) in length. Setup with fine sand (so as not to damage the delicate barbels), lots of hiding places made of intricate woods, coconut shells and dense vegetation. Filtration must be excellent with a moderate current.

Diet and Feeding: Benthic micropredator very fond of small infesting snails (Planorbis, Physa). Devours frozen bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp and very well accepts any small-sized granule that sinks to the bottom. Rarely attacks food on the surface.

Water Quality: Requires soft, clear and pure waters. Sensitive to nitrogenous and chemical pollutants. Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F). pH: 6.0 - 7.5. GH: 3-10. A constant and scrupulous routine of partial water changes is essential.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Unlike the large Botia macracantha, they are peaceful and delightful fish for Asian community aquariums. Perfect with Rasboras, Microrasboras (Galaxy, Kubotai), small Danios and Gouramis. Do not insert with dwarf shrimp or they will be relentlessly exterminated.

Aquarium Reproduction: Almost non-existent at the amateur domestic level. The very rare successes report the laying of eggs under broad leaves. Almost all of the world ornamental market is fueled by reproduction commercially induced via hormones.

Risks and Diseases: They immediately lose their barbels (with consequent lethal infections) if placed on sharp quartz bottoms. Exaggeratedly susceptible to chemical medicines (copper/malachite green) and classic Ich, being scaleless.