Sumo Loach
Schistura cf. balteata
Origin: Southeast Asia
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 7 cm
- Min Tank
- 60 L
- Lifespan
- 5–8
- Swimming Level
- bottom
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- omnivore
- Temperament
- Mildly aggressive toward own species; peaceful with other fish
About
Schistura cf. balteata, commonly called the Sumo Loach or Banded Hill Loach, is a small, vibrantly patterned cobitid from hill streams in Southeast Asia. Its compact body shows alternating dark and pale vertical bars, often with orange-red fins. Active and curious, it occupies the bottom of the tank and constantly probes the substrate for food. Best kept in a species or hillstream community with strong flow and well-oxygenated water.
Care Guide
Provide strong current with powerhead or strong HOB. Rounded pebble or coarse sand substrate. Temperature 22–26 °C, neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Feed sinking micro-pellets, frozen bloodworm, and live daphnia. Keep singly or in groups of 4+ to reduce aggression.
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