Order Cypriniformes
Family Balitoridae
Subfamily Nemacheilinae
Genus Schistura
— Schistura balteata [Rendahl, 1948]. Synonym: Nemacheilus balteatus. (English: Sumo Loach, Tri Band Sumo Loach, Orange Saddle Back Loach). Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand. 8 cm. Inhabits fast-flowing, high-oxygen, often shallow, small rivers with gravel and boulder bottoms. Differs from any other species by unusual, unique vertical bands below the dorsal fin. There are many color variants depending on their habitat. One of the most beautiful among Schistura species — few fishes have red color in their coloration.
Schistura cf. balteata: their attractive body pattern varies greatly in the arrangement and number of vertical bands, the degree of black spots in the dorsal fin, and even more. There are two main background color forms in the posterior part of the body — predominantly pink and yellow of varying intensity in different individuals. Coloration does not depend on sex. In true Schistura balteata, the anterior part of the body is grey, there are 2-3 thin dark bands under the dorsal fin (in Schistura cf. balteata vertical bands are pink or yellow), weaker black spots on the dorsal fin, 3-5 round spots on the back under the dorsal fin, and the dark band at the base of the caudal fin is absent (present in Schistura cf. balteata). Vertical dark bands on the body are thin, while wider ones are red or orange, disappearing in older individuals.
There are many color variants of Schistura cf. balteata. There are purely red body “halves” without vertical stripes, scarlet ones, a combination of red and yellow colors, and all these colors with three black vertical stripes of varying thickness. Young Schistura are difficult to sex. Males are brighter colored and more active in behavior, which is especially pronounced during the spawning period. In addition, males have noticeably enlarged, seemingly “swollen” cheeks (best seen when viewing the fish from above or the front), while females have a more rounded belly. They often enter the trade in mixed batches and presumably inhabit the same wild populations in nature.
Requires spacious aquariums (at least 100 liters); these are territorial fish that must be provided with numerous hiding places, plants, rocky caves, and large round pebbles. To create secluded corners and shelters, various driftwood can be used in addition to stones. When keeping more than one fish, it is important to create visual barriers between each hiding place. It may not show itself for a long time, then make a sudden jump from a hiding place onto a stone and lie there for five to ten minutes — unless another conspecific claiming the same stone appears.
Schistura are territorial fish, and each usually has its own hiding place and territory that it defends. While loaches settle disputes with long nudges and nipping, a pair of Schistura balteata instantly figures out who is stronger and who must yield and hide. Absolutely neutral to representatives of other species. They may dig in the substrate, creating shelters under driftwood and stones, so fine substrate without sharp edges is desirable so that Schistura do not damage their mouths and barbels. Lighting should be soft and diffused.
Require very clean, oxygen-rich water with current. Strong filtration and aeration, weekly water changes, and substrate cleaning are required. They love to lie in the water stream. Ideally, the aquarium should have many large smooth stones on the bottom directed at the filter outflow. For good health and beautiful coloration in aquarium conditions, they should receive small live and frozen food daily. Dry food can be offered as supplementary feeding.
Sensing food in the water, they take starting positions near the feeder. While the bloodworm sinks to the bottom, the fish zeroes in on it, then makes a sudden rush and catches the worm. Having eaten their fill, the fish scatter across the stones or settle on wide leaves. They get used to frozen foods slowly. It is even harder to train them to accept pellets. Never observed eating green algae on stones, tablets, or wafers. pH 6.0-7.5; dH max 12°; T 23-26°C.
Identification: Schistura balteata.
— Schistura beavani [Gunther, 1868]. Synonym: Noemacheilus, Nemacheilus beavani. (English: Creek Loach). India, Nepal, Bangladesh. 8 cm. A small loach species. The most peaceful species. Keep in groups of 5 or more individuals. The aquarium should have enough hiding places made of rounded stones, roots, and caves for this shy bottom-dwelling fish. Able to squeeze into any small gap; protective mesh must be installed everywhere.
Substrate of fine sand and rounded pebbles; requires shelters of roots and stones where it instantly hides when startled, but emerges again shortly after. Sparse vegetation along the edges. Water soft, slightly acidic. Feeds on all types of food corresponding to mouth size. pH 6.0-7.0; dH 3-12°; T 22-28°C.
— Schistura geisleri [Kottelat, 1990]. Synonym: Noemacheilus geisleri. (English: Polka Dotted Loach). South Asia, Thailand, Chao Phraya river basin, upper Mekong River. 4 cm. Body coloration consists of a yellowish background with 5-8 dark brown spots longitudinally elongated along the lateral line and 6-8 irregular dark saddle-like spots on the dorsal surface in young fish; in larger specimens, saddles extend further down the body and may merge with lateral line spots while becoming lighter. Upper head dark brown. Males have thickened first rays of the pectoral fins.
Aquarium with a substrate of fine smooth pebbles or sand. Several rock and pebble shelters must be provided. They are less territorial than other species of the genus. Fish tend to bury themselves quickly in sand when threatened or frightened. Best kept with fish inhabiting similar natural biotopes, in groups of four or more individuals.
Water should have a high level of dissolved oxygen and decent water movement from the filter. Not suitable for newly set-up aquariums. Fed with products sinking to the bottom — frozen, live, tablets, and pellets, with a relatively small amount of vegetable matter. pH 6.0-7.5; dH 3-12°; T 20-25°C.
— Schistura notostigma [Bleeker, 1863]. Synonym: Nemacheilus, Noemacheilus notostigma. (English: Spotback Loach). South Asia, Sri Lanka. 8 cm. Head resembles a duck’s beak. Eyes located on top of the head. Olive coloration with 10-11 wide brownish-grey bars across the body. Females are somewhat larger and fuller than males. They can be kept in a large tank with plenty of hiding places and shelters. Active in the evening and at night; aquarium lighting should be dim. Fine gravel, roots, driftwood, and flat stones are ideal as substrate to create shelters.
They can be aggressive with conspecifics, and territorial fights occur as a hierarchy forms in the group. Display strong territorial behavior and often inflict wounds in fierce battles. Decor should be arranged so the aquarium is divided into several sections where fish cannot see each other. Clean, clear, cool water with regular water changes. Avoid overfeeding as they are very greedy. Grazes on algae. Mature at 12-15 months. dH 5-12°; pH 6.8-7.5; T 20-24°C.
— Schistura pridii [Vidthayanon, 2003]. (English: Mini Dragon Loach). Thailand, tributaries in the upper Chao Phraya basin. Inhabitants of fast-flowing, shallow rivers less than 1 m deep with gravel, stone, and boulder substrates. 4 cm. Strikingly beautiful loach with a slender body. Body features four black transverse stripes reaching the belly on a yellow background. Stripes run along the mid-dorsal line, with a rounded yellow spot on the flank in the middle of each stripe. Females slightly fuller than males.
The fish is very secretive. Most of the time they like to hide under a large stone (not in a grotto or driftwood, but under a boulder or log). Using smooth stones and boulders, build a labyrinth-like shelter on sand substrate with small openings, supplemented with driftwood to form corners and shaded spots. Keep in groups (at least 5 individuals); they do not conflict with each other. Do not house with territorial bottom-dwellers or competitors.
Water in mountain streams where pridii are caught is hard and alkaline. Require very clean, strongly aerated water with a strong current. Water must be free of nitrates; intolerant of organic waste accumulation, achievable through frequent water changes of up to 40%. Round-the-clock powerful aeration and moderate water movement from the filter are crucial. Main challenge is feeding due to the fish’s small size. Diet: micro bloodworms and Daphnia. Food is snatched in a swift dash, like all Schistura. pH 7.0-8.0; dH up to 20°; T 18-24°C.
Yunnanilus brevis, Yunnanilus cruciatus.
Nemacheilus binotatus, corica, denisoni, ornatus, selangoricus. 
