Animal-World > Aquarium Tropical Fish > Hillstream Loaches > Half Banded Loach

Half Banded Loach

Bicolor Loach

Family: BalitoridaeSchistura savonaPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Courtesy: Fish2U

   Like many of the Schistura species, the distinctive patterning of the Half Banded Loach or Bicolor Loach makes this striking little fish an eye catcher!

   Though the Half Banded Loach or Bicolor Loach is a small fish, it is quite appealing due to its bold patterning. The body background is a light white to golden color and the upper portion is marked with broad dark vertical bands. A greenish brown cast or spotting along the center creates a horizontal stripe appearance. The fins and tail are light and translucent.

   The Half Banded Loach or Bicolor Loach is a fairly hardy little fish that comes from cool fast-moving streams. They will do best in a "river" type aquarium kept with good water movement and subdued lighting. They have been noted to rearrange the aquarium substrate by picking up bits of gravel and spitting it back out, so provide a sand or small gravel substrate. Be sure to provide plenty of hiding and resting places created with rocks and driftwood. Though not necessary, a moderate amount of plants can be a nice addition.

   The Half Banded Loach or Bicolor Loach is an active yet peaceful fish. A small group of these loaches will make an attractive addition to a community aquarium. They enjoy the company of their own species and will do best in a group of five to seven, three is the suggested minimum to keep.

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Care and feeding:    Since they are omnivorous, the Half Banded Loach or Bicolor Loach will generally eat all kinds of live foods, sinking pelleted and tablet foods, flakes, and algae. They like frozen foods as well. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake or tablet food everyday. Feed mosquito larvae, brine shrimp (either live or frozen), tubifex, daphnia, and some vegetable foods such as algae wafers.
   This fish will do well in a larger aquarium (ideally 30 gallons or so) with good water movement, subdued lighting, and places for retreat such as rocks, caves, and roots. They do best in soft to medium, slightly acidic water with frequent water changes of about 10% a week. The substrate can to be a fine or medium gravel that does not have sharp edges.

Distribution:    The Half Banded Loach or Bicolor Loach are found in India.

Size - Weight:    This fish can reach from about 1 - 4 " (2.5 - 10 cm) though it is usually smaller in the aquarium.

Social Behaviors:       A good community fish, they will tolerate other tank mates as well as enjoy other members of their own species. They tend to be shy and it is recommended that they be kept in groups of at least three, with larger groups of five to seven acclimating easier than smaller groups.

Sexual Differences:    Unknown

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:    These fish are mostly bottom dwellers.

Acceptable Water Conditions:    Hardness: to 5 - 18° dH
   Ph: 6.5 - 7.5
   Temp: 73 - 79° F (23-26° C)

Breeding/Reproduction:    They are not yet bred commercially.

Availability:    The Half Banded Loach or Bicolor Loach is occasionally available.

Author: Clarice Brough. CFS.

Add your comment here!

Back to Hillstream Loaches