Black-Lined Loach (Ambastaia nigrolineata)

Family: Cobitidae

Black-Lined Loach — a Cobitidae from Mekong basin, SE Asia, peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal. Reaches 6–8.8 cm; sociable; keep 4–6 so night-time activity stays confident. 15–25 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 15–25 °C
pH: 7–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 6–8.8 cm
Minimum tank: 93 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal
Origin: Mekong basin, SE Asia

Species overview

A Cobitidae species native to Mekong basin, SE Asia: Ambastaia nigrolineata lives bottom-dwelling over sandy stretches of slow rivers. Peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal. Adults reach 6–8.8 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Ambastaia species we profile, alongside Ambastaia sidthimunki.

Native biotope

Habitat: Sandy stretches of slow rivers
Flow: Gentle current
Dissolved O₂: Tolerates moderate oxygen levels

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate: Fine sand for burrowing
Hardscape: Smooth stones and driftwood caves
Plants: Low-light tolerant plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling: Sociable; keep 4–6 so night-time activity stays confident
Diet: Omnivore that appreciates live or frozen treats
Recommended tankmates: Small calm cyprinids — Occupy a different water layer
Avoid keeping with: Large predators — Loaches are on the menu

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Females noticeably plumper when mature
Breeding method: Scatters eggs among fine plants; no aftercare

Frequently asked questions

Is Black-Lined Loach easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal. Sociable; keep 4–6 so night-time activity stays confident.

What temperature and water chemistry does Black-Lined Loach need?

Set the heater to 15–25 °C and avoid swings. pH 7–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Black-Lined Loach get, and what tank size?

Expect 6–8.8 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 93 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Black-Lined Loach eat?

Omnivore that appreciates live or frozen treats. It forages naturally over fine sand for burrowing, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Black-Lined Loach live with other fish?

Peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal. Recommended tankmates: Small calm cyprinids — Occupy a different water layer. Avoid Large predators — Loaches are on the menu.

Where does Black-Lined Loach come from?

Native to Mekong basin, SE Asia, where it lives in sandy stretches of slow rivers. Gentle current; Tolerates moderate oxygen levels.

How does Black-Lined Loach breed?

Scatters eggs among fine plants; no aftercare. Females noticeably plumper when mature.