Pridii Stream Loach

Schistura pridii is one of the most colourful stream loaches available in the hobby, displaying bold alternating black and vivid orange-red bands that make it unmistakable. Endemic to highland streams in northern Thailand, it inhabits fast-flowing, highly oxygenated water over cobble and coarse gravel at relatively cool temperatures for a tropical loach.

In the aquarium this species demands excellent water quality and strong water movement. A dedicated stream biotope setup with high-capacity filtration and powerhead-generated current, a substrate of fine sand mixed with smooth pebbles, and rock-cave hides is ideal. Schistura pridii is more territorial than many loaches and should be kept in a group of five or more to distribute aggressive interactions.

Feeding is enthusiastic: frozen bloodworm, micro pellets, and live blackworm or daphnia are all accepted with gusto. The intense colouration of this species makes water quality management critical — any decline in conditions quickly results in colour fading. For the stream-fish enthusiast willing to invest in proper flow and filtration, Schistura pridii is a superb showpiece species.

Water: pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 18–24°C, very high oxygen, strong current. Tank: 60 L minimum; mixed fine-sand/pebble substrate, flat rock caves, powerful filtration. Feeding: Frozen bloodworm, live daphnia, blackworm, micro pellets. Breeding: Not documented in captivity. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive within species; peaceful with dissimilar community stream fish.