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
Cobitidae species Ambastaia sidthimunki comes from Mekong basin, SE Asia. A sand-sifting bottom resident most active after the lights fade. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 6–8.8 cm. Gregarious bottom fish; 5 or more recommended. Choose sand over gravel, feed after dusk, and keep ammonia at zero — loaches punish neglect visibly. Maintain 15–25 °C at pH 7–7.5. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
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