Nichol's Brook Loach — a Nemacheilidae from Yunnan, China, peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal. Reaches 9–13.2 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
9–13.2 cm
Minimum tank
209 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal
Origin
Yunnan, China
Species overview
From the waters of Yunnan, China comes Schistura nicholsi, a member of the family Nemacheilidae. A sand-sifting bottom resident most active after the lights fade. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 9–13.2 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. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
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