Loaches Online Forum

I found schistura notostigma at a LFS, and am curious about them. The species index says "Likely to be territorial and should be kept with robust, fast-swimming fish." - can anyone elaborate? Are they aggressive with each other? Other bottom dwellers? Everyone? The three that were in the store were all approximately 2 1/2 - 3 inches, and the guy said they'd been there a month and had been very peaceful.

I have a 55 gallon planted with 6 sidthimunki (planning on at least 6 more more), 12 rabora espei, 4 otocinclus, and 2 SAEs. Moderately high flow, 78 degrees, lots of hiding places.

I really liked these guys, and it's the only time I've seen schistura in person. I'd like to get all three if they'd do well in my tank, but I don't have the space to set up a tank just for them - at least not for now .

Opinions? Experiences?

I should say that after combing the internet, they do look like schistura notostigma, but they have a very faint red dot instead of a black dot on the dorsal fin. Any other schisturas it could be? Doesn't look like schistura waltoni.

The description on the species index was probably an entry we made based on general behaviour in Schistura species. They all tend to be a little territorial between each other. Overall, the behaviour and needs of this genus are very similar.

All Schistura will benefit from increased water flow, so you'll want to add a powerhead, IMO, which may not suit your otos. The way to deal with the territorial nature of Schisturas is to provide several more hiding spots than you have specimens. If you pick up two fish, make sure they have 5 or more spots that would make a good home base.

Because they generally need temps a bit cooler than sids, I might suggest that you focus on getting more sids and hold off on the Schisturas until you can really provide for them - probably in a separate tank with cooler water and much higher water flow.

I love Schisturas. As far as a positive ID, I think pictures would be the best place to start.

Thanks Mark, that's really helpful. I'm totally happy to add a powerhead or two, and move the otos to other tanks. The temperature is more difficult - it's hard to even keep it down to 78 in the summertime.

Right now my husband is going around the house trying to figure out where we could possibly put another tank. He's itching to do a proper river tank

Sounds like it's best to give these guys a miss for now. If I know the Atlanta market, like I think I do, they'll be around for months to come. Interesting fish just don't sell.

River tank! River tank! River tank!