Malayan loach (Pangio semicincta)

Family: Cobitidae

Malayan loach — a Cobitidae from Southeast Asia, peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Reaches 9–13.2 cm; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. 24–30 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
24–30 °C
pH
5.5–6.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
9–13.2 cm
Minimum tank
209 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand
Origin
Southeast Asia

Species overview

Pangio semicincta is a Cobitidae from Southeast 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 9–13.2 cm. Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. Use a soft sand bed and feed sinking foods; coarse gravel wears down its sensory barbels. Maintain 24–30 °C at pH 5.5–6.5. 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
Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy
Diet
Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods
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
Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned