Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: With Caution

General Description: The Dwarf Chain Loach, also known as the Sidthimunki Botia, is endemic to Thailand. This species is now produced on a commercial farm basis for the aquarium trade, though their presence is still somewhat rare. Desired by aquarists for both their small adult size and attractive appearance, the Dwarf chain loach can be identified by their pearly tan-yellow bodies that have a black dorsal line and mid-line connected together by smaller black lines that create a “chain” pattern. An ideal environment for a Dwarf chain loach would be one that is heavily decorated to encourage their inquisitive behavior, in addition to tank mates that are active. Fish with long or decorative fins should be added with caution. Like botias, loaches have a natural ability to control nuisance snails in the home aquarium. This species should be kept in small groups of at least 5 to 7 individuals due to their complex social behaviors. A solitary Dwarf chain loach is usually an aggressive or withdrawn one. An adult Dwarf chain loach can reach a size of approximately 2″.

Diet Requirements: Dwarf chain loaches are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, tablet foods or sinking pellet foods are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, tubifex worms, brine shrimp and other mixed freshwater preparations. Live blackworms are an appreciated treat. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An extremely established minimum 20 to 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Dwarf chain loaches. Loaches are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes. Biweekly or weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters ideal (Nitrates < 30 ppm). Deteriorating water parameters will stress Dwarf chain loaches, making them more susceptible to health issues or disease, such as Ich. Given the rivers in which they come from, Dwarf chain loaches require more turbulent water flow and a well oxygenated environment. The aquarium should be aquascaped with a fine substrate, smooth rocks, driftwood, flower pots or various other furnishes to create caves and hiding places. Dwarf chain loaches are to be added “with caution” to live planted aquariums because they have been observed to feed on soft plants. Thicker plants, such as Anubias spp., will likely be left untouched. Dwarf chain loaches may be considered for the community aquarium, but they could stress out more passive fish with their very active nature. Recommended water conditions, 74-84° F, KH 5-12, pH 5.5-7.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.