Loaches Online Forum

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?

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

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,

Of course I will Sophie.

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...