Balteata Stream Loach

Schistura balteata is a vividly patterned stream loach from highland and foothill rivers in Thailand and Myanmar. It displays a series of dark vertical bands on a pale to golden-yellow body, with orange-red fin colouration in well-conditioned males. In nature it inhabits fast-flowing, clear rivers over cobble and gravel substrates in areas with high dissolved oxygen.

In the aquarium, Balteata Stream Loach requires brisk water movement, excellent filtration, and high oxygen levels. The substrate should consist of fine sand and smooth pebbles with flat rock caves for shelter. This species is somewhat territorial toward conspecifics but peaceful with dissimilar tankmates. A group of five or more helps distribute aggression.

Feeding is easy: frozen bloodworm, micro pellets, daphnia, and live microinvertebrates are all accepted eagerly. The bright banding and vivid fin colouration of Schistura balteata make it one of the most eye-catching stream loaches available, and it rewards a well-maintained stream biotope setup with excellent long-term colour expression.

Water: pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 20–26°C, high oxygen, brisk current. Tank: 60 L minimum; fine sand and smooth pebbles, flat rock caves, strong flow. Feeding: Frozen bloodworm, micro pellets, daphnia, live microinvertebrates. Breeding: Not documented in captivity. Compatibility: Peaceful with dissimilar species; may squabble with conspecifics — keep in groups.