schistura semiarmartus?

[sophie]

ok, on this site:

http://www.mpeda.com/aquarium/htmlorna/profile1.htm

there is a picture of something named as schistura semiarmartus; aka "fascinating loach", which it certainly is:



many thanks to the site above, from whom I've borrowed the image

it looks lovely...

anyone know anything about them, she said hopefully?

[Emma Turner]

This species is featured in Andrew's book "Ornamental Aquarium Fish of India" (Tekriwal & Rao). In fact the photo in the book is the same as the one on that website.
They say it reaches a maximum size of 5.5cm and is found within the Cauvery River basin in Wynaad, Southern India. It supposedly prefers temperatures between 18 and 22 deg C and should be kept at a neutral pH. They also suggest that it is kept in groups of 10 or more.
I also have a description of this species in one of Menon's old loach books, but it is quite heavy going (and a lot to type out!).

A lovely fish, but I've never seen this species offered on fish lists myself.

Emma

[sophie]

Emma, I live in fear that one day someone will ask a fish question you can't answer. the world may end

thanks for all the info, 's'much appreciated. These look absolutely gorgeous; but I'm somehow not surprised that they're not about as hobby fish There are some lovely loaches on that site!

(if you do ever see them, think of me )

thanks again,

[Emma Turner]

Of course I will Sophie.

[mikev]

Thanks for the link, sophie, a few more interesting schistura pictures there.

One wonders however, just how accurate these are, they also an entry

Tiger Loach == Botia Birdi == <<photo of a most common yoyo>>
(last entry in the left column)

and their understanding of what Blackline Rasbora is is not very conventional...