Thuttinjet Stone Loach (Nemacheilus stigmofasciatus)

Family: Nemacheilidae

Thuttinjet Stone Loach — a Nemacheilidae freshwater fish. Reaches 2.8–4.2 cm; keep at 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
2.8–4.2 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful, active bottom-dweller

Species overview

Nemacheilus stigmofasciatus is a Nemacheilidae. In the aquarium it stays peaceful, active bottom-dweller. Plan on 2.8–4.2 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. Related profiles: Nemacheilus troglocataractus.

Native biotope

Habitat
Hill-streams and riffles over pebbles
Flow
Strong, well-oxygenated current
Dissolved O₂
Requires well-oxygenated water

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Smooth pebbles and coarse sand
Hardscape
Stacked stones forming crevices
Plants
Anubias and other hardy attachers

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Gregarious; keep in groups
Diet
Omnivore; sinking granules and frozen foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females rounder-bodied
Breeding method
Rarely bred in captivity

Frequently asked questions

Is Thuttinjet Stone Loach easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful, active bottom-dweller; gregarious; keep in groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does Thuttinjet Stone Loach need?

Hold 18–26 °C and keep it stable — 18–26 °C typical for the genus. Cooler, stable range preferred.

How big does Thuttinjet Stone Loach get, and what tank size?

Full size is 2.8–4.2 cm. Minimum tank: 25 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Thuttinjet Stone Loach eat?

Omnivore; sinking granules and frozen foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Thuttinjet Stone Loach live with other fish?

Peaceful, active bottom-dweller; gregarious; keep in groups. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Thuttinjet Stone Loach come from?

Found in hill-streams and riffles over pebbles; expect strong, well-oxygenated current and requires well-oxygenated water.

How does Thuttinjet Stone Loach breed?

Rarely bred in captivity. Females rounder-bodied.