The dwarf chain loach has a distinctive shark-like appearance, but remains a peaceful, shrimp-safe bottom dweller perfect for planted nano tanks. Read on to learn about properly keeping this unique little sharky fish!
Introducing the Dwarf Chain Loach
Dwarf Chain Loach General Info
- Origin: Streams in Thailand
- Size: Up to 2.5 inches
- Lifespan: 5-7 years with proper care
- Temperament: Peaceful, does well in community tanks
- Appearance: Torpedo-shaped body, chain-like bands, forked caudal fin
- Varieties: None, relatively uniform appearance
- Price: $4 – $8 per fish on average
Habitat and Tank Conditions
- Natural Habitat: Shallow, slow-moving streams and rice paddies
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Water Parameters: 72-82°F; pH 6.5-7.5; low to moderate current
- Tank Setup: Fine gravel substrate, plenty of plants and hiding spots, dim lighting
Dwarf Chain Loach Diet and Feeding
- Diet: Omnivore, eats small inverts, worms, plant matter in the wild
- Feeding: 2-3 small meals per day, mix of flakes, pellets, frozen and live foods
Foods:
- Crushed flake and pellet foods
- Live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms
- Blanched vegetables like zucchini
- Hikari Micropellets or algae wafers
- Freeze dried tubifex worms or shrimp
Breeding Dwarf Chain Loaches
- Challenging to breed in home aquariums, no distinguishable breeding signs
- If spawned, eggs scattered among plants and substrate, no parental care
- Fry tiny and require infusoria or powdered dry foods when hatched
Common Health Issues
- Generally hardy if provided with clean water and correct foods
- Prone to ich and skin parasites if stressed, use quarantine
- Sensitive to poor water quality or sharp changes in parameters
- Maintain stable conditions, treat any illness promptly for best health
Special Care and Compatibility
- Peaceful bottom dweller suitable for nano community tanks
- Best kept in small groups of 3-5 of their own kind
- Compatible with small tetras, rasboras, danios, shrimp, snails
- No known special care requirements or legal issues
Suitable Tank Mates
- Neon tetras
- Ember tetras
- Pygmy corydoras
- Celestial pearl danios
- Chili rasboras
- Dwarf shrimp like Cherries
- Snails
Identifying Males vs. Females
- Females tend to be slightly larger and broader bodied, especially when laden with eggs
- Males may exhibit more intense coloration during spawning periods
- Overall very difficult to distinguish visual differences between sexes
Species Count:
Just one, Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki
Enhancing Color:
Provide a varied diet with live and frozen foods. Maintain excellent water quality.
Maximum Size:
Up to 2.5 inches
Growth Rate:
Slow growing, reaching max size after 1-2 years.
Lifespan:
Approximately 5-7 years with proper care and conditions.
Care Tips:
Planted nano tanks, soft water, hides, small peaceful tankmates. Keep in groups.
Best Food Options:
Hikari micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, blanched zucchini.
Suitable Pets?
Yes, interesting nano tank fish with shark-like appearance but peaceful temperament.
Preventing Death:
Maintain pristine, stable water parameters. Quarantine and medicate when required.
Aggression Level:
Peaceful, suitable for community nano tanks.
Will They Kill Other Fish?
No, dwarf chain loaches are not aggressive toward tankmates. Shrimp and snail-safe.
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