Stream fish species

Arrow Loach

ปลาค้อทราย

Nemacheilus masyae

Moderate 22–26 °C pH 6–7.5

Widespread in Thai sandy rivers and streams; swims more in open water than other loaches and is peaceful in groups.

Banded Mountain Loach

ปลาค้อลายบั้ง

Schistura desmotes

Moderate 22–26 °C pH 6.5–7.5

Central and western Thai streams. Sifts sand for food, so use rounded sand rather than sharp gravel.

Dwarf Chain Loach

ปลาหมูอารีย์

Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki

Moderate 24–28 °C pH 6–7.5

Thai endemic, named after Aree Sidthimunk. Once nearly wiped out by collection; today almost all stock is captive-bred - buy captive-bred only. Needs a group of six or more.

Horseface Loach

ปลารากกล้วย

Acantopsis dialuzona

Moderate 23–27 °C pH 6.5–7.5

Buries itself in sand leaving only the eyes showing - needs at least 5 cm of fine sand; gravel abrades and infects it. Only eats what reaches the bottom.

Koh Chang Stone Loach

ปลาค้อเกาะช้าง

Schistura kohchangensis

Moderate 22–26 °C pH 6.5–7.5

Thai native from lowland streams around Koh Chang and the eastern seaboard; tolerates warmer water than upland species - a good first stream loach without a chiller.

Mahnert's Stone Loach

ปลาค้อมาห์เนอร์ท

Schistura mahnerti

Strong 20–25 °C pH 6.5–7.5

From streams of western Thailand. Banded, and territorial like other Schistura. There is no established Thai common name.

Skunk Loach

ปลาหมูลาย

Yasuhikotakia morleti

Moderate 24–28 °C pH 6–7.5

Mekong and Chao Phraya basins. Much nippier than the dwarf chain loach and will harass slow, long-finned tank mates. Thai trade name covers several species.

Sumo Loach

ปลาค้อลายเสือ (ค้อซูโม่)

Schistura balteata

Strong 20–24 °C pH 6.5–7.5

The most popular stream loach in the hobby. Strongly territorial: keep one, or a larger group with many caves - never a pair. A determined jumper, so keep the tank covered.