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Sumo Loach
Schistura balteata
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Nemacheilidae
📍 Thailand & Myanmar
Compact, boldly marked loach with dark bands on a tan body. More territorial than other loaches — keep with fish that can hold their own. Active and entertaining to watch.
Care Guide
Diet
Sumo loaches are omnivores with a strong preference for small invertebrates and meaty foods. Feed high-quality sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, and brine shrimp once daily in small portions. Supplement with algae wafers and blanched vegetables occasionally to provide dietary variety and ensure balanced nutrition.
Behavior
Highly active bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time foraging and exploring substrate. More territorial and aggressive than typical loaches, especially toward conspecifics and similarly-sized bottom-feeders; keep only in groups of 3+ to distribute aggression. They are nocturnal and most active during low-light periods, making them entertaining to observe during evening hours.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is extremely rare and difficult. No established breeding protocols exist for this species in the aquarium hobby. Spawning has not been reliably documented, and fry rearing requirements remain unknown.
Tank Mates
Fast, active fish that can hold their own against territorial loaches; similar water temperature preferences
Similar size and temperament; may compete for territory but can coexist if tank is large enough with adequate hiding spots
Nocturnal bottom-feeder that occupies different ecological niche; less likely to conflict with sumo loaches
Mid-water schooling fish that avoids direct competition; peaceful and compatible with semi-aggressive loaches
Bottom-dweller that may be harassed; only suitable if tank is large with multiple hiding areas and feeding zones
May be predated upon; only attempt in heavily planted tanks with abundant cover
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use ich medication (malachite green or formalin) following label instructions for 7-10 days
Bacterial Infections
Torn fins, open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, behavioral changes
Improve water quality with frequent partial changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, isolate affected fish if possible
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, progressive fin loss
Perform 50% water change immediately, maintain pristine water conditions, treat with antibacterial medication; ensure adequate filtration and avoid aggressive tank mates
Parasitic Infections (Flukes, Worms)
Excessive scratching, clamped fins, visible parasites, weight loss despite feeding
Use antiparasitic medication (praziquantel or levamisole) following dosing instructions; perform water changes between treatments as directed
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- diet
- omnivore/invertebrates
- maxSize
- 3 inches
- minTankSize
- 20 gallons
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)
Temperature
72–79°F
22–26°C