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

A Nemacheilidae species native to Myanmar: Schistura incerta lives bottom-dwelling over pebbles. Peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal. Adults reach 10.7–15.7 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Schistura species we profile, alongside Schistura fasciolata, Schistura latifasciata, Schistura nicholsi.

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Schistura incerta easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal. Sociable; keep 4–6 so night-time activity stays confident.

What temperature and water chemistry does Schistura incerta need?

Aim for 18–26 °C. Cooler, stable range preferred; 18–26 °C typical for the genus.

How big does Schistura incerta get, and what tank size?

Full size is 10.7–15.7 cm. Minimum tank: 296 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Schistura incerta eat?

Omnivore that appreciates live or frozen treats. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Schistura incerta live with other fish?

Peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal; sociable; keep 4–6 so night-time activity stays confident. Good company: Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict. Keep away from Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters.

Where does Schistura incerta come from?

Comes from Myanmar: hill-streams and riffles over pebbles. Expect strong, well-oxygenated current and requires well-oxygenated water.

How does Schistura incerta breed?

In the aquarium: scatters eggs among fine plants; no aftercare. Females rounder-bodied.