Schistura incerta

Family: Nemacheilidae

Schistura incerta — a Nemacheilidae from Myanmar, peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal. Reaches 10.7–15.7 cm; sociable; keep 4–6 so night-time activity stays confident. 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
10.7–15.7 cm
Minimum tank
296 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal
Origin
Myanmar

Species overview

Nemacheilidae species Schistura incerta comes from Myanmar. A sand-sifting bottom resident most active after the lights fade. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 10.7–15.7 cm. Sociable; keep 4–6 so night-time activity stays confident. Choose sand over gravel, feed after dusk, and keep ammonia at zero — loaches punish neglect visibly. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Best suited to a keeper who can match its natural water.

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
Sociable; keep 4–6 so night-time activity stays confident
Diet
Omnivore that appreciates live or frozen treats
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 rounder-bodied
Breeding method
Scatters eggs among fine plants; no aftercare