Burmese Border Loach tank mates
Ambastaia nigrolineata
6 rated pairings from the Burmese Border Loach care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Burmese Border Loach needs at least 20 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Excellent matches
4 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Similar size, peaceful temperament, and compatible water parameters; both are bottom-dwellers that don't compete
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
10 gal min · 0.8" adult · Peaceful
Small, peaceful mid-water fish that won't compete with loaches; similar temperature and pH requirements
Dwarf Hairgrass
Eleocharis parvula
Provides natural substrate cover and foraging opportunities without competing for space
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy mid-water zone; compatible water chemistry and temperature
Good matches
2 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
10 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful invertebrates that occupy different ecological niches; may be preyed upon if loaches are very hungry
Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
20 gal min · 3.5" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful dwarf cichlid with similar temperature needs; may occasionally compete for bottom space but generally compatible
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.