Aree’s Clown Loach (Ambastaia sidthimunki)

Family: Cobitidae

Aree’s Clown Loach — a Cobitidae from Mekong basin, SE Asia, mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time. Reaches 6–8.8 cm; gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended. 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
Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time
Origin
Mekong basin, SE Asia

Species overview

Ambastaia sidthimunki, a member of the family Cobitidae, comes from Mekong basin, SE Asia, where it inhabits sandy stretches of slow rivers. Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time and unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim, it grows to 6–8.8 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 15–25 °C range. Other Ambastaia species in our database include Ambastaia nigrolineata.

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
Gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended
Diet
Unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim
Recommended tankmates
  • Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict
Avoid keeping with
  • Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females noticeably plumper when mature
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer; no parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Aree’s Clown Loach easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Aree’s Clown Loach need?

Hold 15–25 °C and keep it stable — 15.0–25.0 °C typical for the genus. Room temperature stable range.

How big does Aree’s Clown Loach get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 6–8.8 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 93 litres.

What does Aree’s Clown Loach eat?

Unfussy omnivore; feed sinking foods after lights dim. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Aree’s Clown Loach live with other fish?

Mostly peaceful; keep away from slow eaters at feeding time. Recommended tankmates: Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict. Avoid Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters.

Where does Aree’s Clown Loach come from?

Comes from Mekong basin, SE Asia: sandy stretches of slow rivers. Expect gentle current and tolerates moderate oxygen levels.

How does Aree’s Clown Loach breed?

Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Females noticeably plumper when mature.