All fish / Botiidae

Dwarf Chain Loach

Ambastaia sidthimunki

Also known as dwarf loach, chain loach, sidthimunki loach, ladder loach, pygmy chain loach, botia sidthimunki, yasuhikotakia sidthimunki, dwarf botia, ปลาหมูอารีย์, ドワーフボティア, ボティア・シドチムンキ, 小丑鳅

A small loach with a pale body covered in a dark chain-like network of lines over a whitish base. Unlike many loaches it often swims in open water as well as on the bottom, and its lively, social habits and small size make it a favourite for planted community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

24 to 29 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, small snails

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Thailand (Mae Klong and Chao Phraya basins), possibly Laos and Myanmar

Breeding

It is bred commercially in Thailand using hormone injections, but spawning in home aquariums is very rarely reported.

Good to know

Endangered in the wild and protected in Thailand, so choose captive-bred stock. Keep in groups over soft sand and avoid tanks with fresh or unstable water, as it is sensitive to poor conditions.