Savona Stream Loach

Schistura savona is a widespread and adaptable stream loach found across Bangladesh and northeastern India, inhabiting both fast-flowing hill streams and slower lowland rivers with sandy-gravelly substrates. It displays a series of dashes and short bars along a pale lateral stripe on a brownish-grey body, with slightly yellowish fins in mature individuals. Its wide distribution reflects a degree of ecological flexibility unusual in the genus.

In the aquarium this species is among the easier Schistura to maintain, tolerating moderate water hardness and a range of temperatures within the tropical spectrum. It is active, diurnal, and shows strong feeding responses to virtually any sinking food offered. A group of five or more distributed across a well-planted bottom-level tank with cave hides provides an excellent environment.

Feeding includes micro pellets, frozen bloodworm, daphnia, and live blackworm. The Savona Stream Loach is a good entry point into the Schistura genus for intermediate-level aquarists attracted to stream loaches but seeking a less demanding species than the highland specialists.

Water: pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 20–26°C, well-oxygenated, gentle to moderate flow. Tank: 60 L minimum; fine sand, rock caves, some plant cover; moderate water movement. Feeding: Micro sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, daphnia, live blackworm. Breeding: Not documented under aquarium conditions. Compatibility: Peaceful toward dissimilar species; mild territorial behaviour within species.