How difficult is it to keep Dwarf Chain Loach?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Dwarf Chain Loach?

The ideal temperature for Dwarf Chain Loach is 20〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Dwarf Chain Loach?

The average lifespan of Dwarf Chain Loach is 8-12 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Dwarf Chain Loach get?

Dwarf Chain Loach typically reaches 5.5-6cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Dwarf Chain Loach?

Dwarf Chain Loach feeds on: Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, Artemia. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Dwarf Chain Loach?

The price of Dwarf Chain Loach varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Dwarf Chain Loach

Intermediate

Ambastaia sidthimunki

A small loach of about 6cm whose dark dorsal stripe and reticulated flanks read as a chain. Diurnal and shoaling a little above the substrate, it is one of the few loaches that suits a planted tank.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

20〜30℃

Lifespan

8-12 years

Size

5.5-6cm

Diet

Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, Artemia

About

Ambastaia sidthimunki is a small loach of the Chao Phraya and Mekong basins in Thailand and Myanmar. FishBase gives a standard length of 5.5cm and Seriously Fish 60mm. It lives in medium to large rivers, flooded fields and small turbid lakes, and is active by day, shoaling a little above the bottom. That habit and its small size make it one of the few loaches suited to a planted tank. Seriously Fish gives 20-30C, pH 5.5-7.5, 1-12dGH and an 80 x 30cm tank of about 72 litres. Opinions on its temperament are divided: some keepers find it peaceful over the long term, while others report damaged eyes and fins in sedentary or long-finned tankmates. Seriously Fish cannot explain the difference but advises against small aquaria and recommends as large a group as possible. In the wild it appears to be a seasonal, migratory spawner, and success in private aquaria is very rare. Trade stock is mostly hormone-induced. IUCN status is Endangered.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Dwarf Chain Loach

The Dwarf Chain Loach lives 8-12 years.

Size of the Dwarf Chain Loach

The Dwarf Chain Loach grows to 5.5-6cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Dwarf Chain Loach

The ideal temperature for the Dwarf Chain Loach is 20〜30℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Southeast Asia (Thailand and Myanmar, Chao Phraya and Mekong basins)

Lifespan

Care Specifications

pH: 5.5–7.5
Hardness (GH): 1–12 dGH
Water Temp.: 20–30℃
Min. Tank: 72 L

Semi-aggressiveGroupBreeding: Very hard

Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Ambastaia sidthimunki (Klausewitz, 1959)

Synonyms: Botia sidthimunki, Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki

Authority databases: FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN EN · Endangered

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.