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
Ambastaia nigrolineata is a Cobitidae from Mekong basin, SE Asia. Half of its life happens after dark; give it fine sand and it will reward you with natural foraging. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 6–8.8 cm. Sociable; keep 4–6 so night-time activity stays confident. Use a soft sand bed and feed sinking foods; coarse gravel wears down its sensory barbels. Maintain 15–25 °C at pH 7–7.5. A solid choice for a well-planned community tank.
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