Question on Nemacheilus fasciatus (red tail banded loach)

[adamrf1126]

my lfs just got some of these in and i am considering getting some, but i just have one question.

Do these need to be kept in groups , or is it ok just to have one or two.

Also, i currently have two striata, and am looking to get at least 3 more, but my lfs also has about 7 kubotai, and i would consider getting most or all of them if they will get along with the striata.

If i get the kubotai would it still be best to get more striata also?

[Felhad]

I'm pretty sure all loaches are social species, so i'd keep no less than 3 of any kind.

[mikev]

I'm pretty sure all loaches are social species, so i'd keep no less than 3 of any kind.

It really depends on the species and the tank. Getting three Sumo Loaches is quite likely to result in one or two murders -- unless the tank is large and is designed for them.

With Kubotai and Striata, you really want 5+ to allow for proper social structure to develop (I personally went with even higher numbers since I see the benefits for them). With Nemacheilus fasciatus it would be best if someone who has personal experience with them comments, but the phrase "highly territorial" that appears in their LOL profile is already a serious warning: get more information...., seek multiple opinions if possible, and describe your tank before asking. What works in a 100g may not work in 20g.

[adamrf1126]

i have a 94 gallon with lots of wood and hiding places.

Right now i have 2 clowns, 2 striata, 6 australian rainbows, and 1 giant danio.
I am definitely getting at least 3 more clowns, and however many striata i can find. (i have only seen them once around me, and i bought both).

the tank is something like 4 1/2' by 1 1/2 feet by 1 1/2 feet


I am also planning to get a small (5 or 10 g) isolation tank very soon, but it will take a while to get cycled obviously.

[mikev]

I'd still wait for an opinion, but 94g with hiding places sounds pretty good.

As for Striata: I think you mentioned being in the 3-state area? The place where I got my 2nd pack of Striata's has about 20 left, and they seem to be in a very good shape (came via SG).

I am also planning to get a small (5 or 10 g) isolation tank very soon, but it will take a while to get cycled obviously.

few days with media from your large tank and some luck.....maybe one day.

[adamrf1126]

where did you get your striatas?

depending on how far i would be willing to go and pick up more.

[mikev]

Queens, NYC.

h2oaquarium.com

You probably have 2 weeks or so at the rate they are selling.

[Mark in Vancouver]

Hey adam...

It's my guess that N. fasciatus is not the species of the fish you've seen in the shop, just based on likelihood. There are a whole lot of Schistura species that have red tails, relatively regular vertical bars, and they show up in the shops fairly frequently.

Even if the ID is correct, you'll want a different sort of tank for housing the Nemacheilid loaches. You can keep these guys in groups, but as Mikev alludes - only in a very large tank, and it would have to be filtered like a river tank with massive flow and oxygenation.

A group of striatas is a much better plan, IMO. You can hardly find a more gentle and winsome species of loach, and they work very well in fairly large shoals.

If you can't get more clowns, or don't plan to increase your tank capacity to accommodate your clowns, a group of 5 or 9 striatas would be enough to give your present clown loaches a run for their money. These species interact very well.

[adamrf1126]

good, i will definitely try to get some more striatas.