Description
Dwarf Chain Loach (Ambastaia sidthimunki)
Overview
Ambastaia sidthimunki, commonly known as the dwarf chain loach or pygmy chain loach, is a small freshwater fish from the Botiidae family, native to the Mae Klong, Chao Phraya, and Mekong river basins in Thailand and the Ataran drainage near the Thailand-Myanmar border. Named for its chain-like black pattern on a silver to pale yellowish body, it grows to 5–6 cm. Males have slightly elongated snouts and thicker lips, while females are fuller-bodied. Critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss from damming and overfishing, most aquarium specimens are commercially bred, often with hormones. Their active, social nature and snail-eating habits make them a unique addition to planted community tanks.
Care Requirements
Tank Size:
Minimum 75L for a group of 7–10; 113L or larger preferred for larger schools and activity level. Base dimensions of at least 80 x 30 cm recommended.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C); can tolerate up to 86°F (30°C) with high oxygenation.
- pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
- Hardness: 5–19 dGH (soft to moderately hard).
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm.
- Nitrate: <30 ppm (ideally <15 ppm to prevent stress).
- Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel to protect barbels; avoid sharp substrates like quartz.
- Décor: Dense plants (e.g., Anubias, Java fern, Cryptocoryne) safe for their nibbling; add driftwood, smooth rocks, caves, or coconut shells for hiding. Ensure open swimming space.
- Filtration: Moderate to strong flow (4–10x tank volume/hour) with high oxygenation to mimic riverine habitats; use canister or hang-on-back filters.
- Lighting: Subdued; use floating plants (e.g., water sprite) for shade.
- Other: Secure lid required, as they may jump. Subocular spines can tangle in nets; use caution when handling.
Maintenance
- Water Changes: 30–50% weekly or 25% biweekly with dechlorinated water to maintain pristine conditions and prevent organic waste buildup.
- Tank Cleaning: Siphon debris and uneaten food; lightly vacuum substrate to preserve beneficial bacteria.
- Testing: Weekly checks for pH, hardness, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate using a reliable test kit to avoid spikes, which can trigger diseases like ich.
- Equipment Check: Ensure filters provide adequate flow and oxygenation, heaters maintain stable temperatures, and lid is secure.
Diet
- Type: Omnivorous, primarily carnivorous; feeds on small invertebrates and some plant matter in the wild.
- Foods:
- Live/Frozen: Bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, tubifex (use sparingly due to disease risk), cyclops.
- Dry: High-quality sinking pellets or flakes (e.g., Fluval Bug Bites, Hikari Sinking Wafers).
- Occasional: Blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini, cucumber, spinach) or fruit (e.g., melon).
- Feeding: Small portions 5–6 times daily to match their active foraging; ensure food reaches the bottom, as they are primarily bottom-dwellers.
- Notes: Varied diet prevents malnutrition and maintains colouration. They may eat small snails but are not reliable for pest control; avoid relying on them for snail overpopulation.
Behaviour and Compatibility
- Temperament: Peaceful but active and curious; may show mild aggression within their group when establishing hierarchy, especially in smaller tanks.
- Social Behaviour: Highly social; requires groups of 7–10 or more to thrive and display Behaviours like the “loachy dance” (group swimming) or clicking sounds. Solitary or small groups (<5) may become shy, stressed, or aggressive.
- Compatible Tankmates:
- Small, peaceful fish: Danios, rasboras, neon tetras, black skirt tetras, silver dollar fish.
- Bottom-dwellers: Corydoras catfish, kuhli loaches.
- Incompatible: Slow-moving or long-finned fish (e.g., angelfish, guppies) due to potential fin-nipping; overly passive fish may be stressed by their activity. Avoid other loach species in small tanks to prevent competition.
- Notes: Provide ample hiding spots to reduce stress and aggression. Their playful, inquisitive nature makes them ideal for active community tanks.
Breeding Behaviour
Breeding Type: Egg layers; seasonal, migratory spawners in the wild, making home aquarium breeding extremely rare.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
