Good filtration, a regular water change regime of approximately 25% per week and a varied diet will keep your sids in tip-top condition. While delicate plants may be nipped at, species such as Anubias and Java fern (Microsorum sp.) are safe and do not seem to mind the slightly subdued lighting the loaches prefer. Tight-fitting cover slides are a must as, like all loaches, they can and will jump. Many keepers of this species have noted that, when increasing the flow in the tank, their sids welcomed the change and were out playing more often. The water should be well oxygenated and with moderate to fast current. Once settled in to their surroundings, this knowledge will ensure they spend a lot of time in full view. They need to know they always have plenty of options for a quick retreat if sensing danger. The more refuges you create for them, the more you will see them. A myriad of hiding places should be provided among bogwood, slate, rocky caves and robust planting. The aquarium must be mature and have a substrate of soft sand or very fine smooth gravel to protect this fish’s delicate sensory barbels. I would not recommend them for any home under 76cm/30" in length. They do require room to swim though and the length and width of the tank is more important than height. sidthimunki is a good choice for smaller aquaria. However, this outlay will reward you with much enjoyment.īeing a dwarf species that rarely exceeds 6cm/2.4", Y. It is not unusual to pay £7-10 per loach and they must have the company of their own kind, so six specimens should be the absolute minimum. Thankfully, they have been spawned in captivity on a large scale, via hormone treatment, for the trade and some also naturally, but in smaller numbers, by dedicated hobbyists.Ĭaptive projects in South-East Asia ensure a good supply, but price tags remain high. Numbers are dwindling however, largely due to hydro-electric damming, and the species is declared 'critically endangered' on the IUCN red list. With its pretty appearance, outgoing, and inquisitive personality, Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki is the smallest botiid and could be just the character to liven proceedings.ĭwarf chain loaches, or 'monkeys' or 'sids' as they are often known, once occurred in vast numbers in river basins of the Chao Phraya, Kwai and Mae Klong of Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. If searching for that special something for your mature community tank, take a look at the Dwarf chain loach. Dwarf chain loach, Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki, are sometimes referred to as 'monkeys' – a name which Emma Turner reckons is very apt for these wonderful little community fish.
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