Dwarf Chain Loach (Ambastaia sidthimunki)

The Dwarf Chain Loach (Ambastaia sidthimunki) is a small, peaceful, and astonishingly active loach that thrives in tightly knit groups. Unlike most loaches, it is diurnal, so you will see this fish darting through the midwater and zipping along the substrate all day long. Care level is intermediate, temperament is peaceful, and a school of six or more turns a community tank into a constant show.

Pairs beautifully with our other freshwater fish and live plants.

Care Guide

• Group size: minimum 6. These are obligate schooling loaches, and singles or pairs become stressed and shy.
• Tank size: 30 gallons minimum for a school of 6, more if combined with other species. Long footprint preferred over tall.
• Aquascape: heavily planted with driftwood, smooth rocks, and caves to break up sightlines. Sand or fine gravel substrate is gentlest on their barbels.
• Water flow: moderate to brisk, since they come from clear, fast flowing forest streams.
• Diet: omnivore. Offer high quality sinking pellets and wafers, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and the occasional blanched vegetable. They will also happily snack on pest snails.
• Lid required: strong jumpers, especially when first added, so a tight fitting hood is non-negotiable.

Specifications

Compatibility

Great with: Panda corydoras, Orange Laser corys, peaceful tetras like Neon Tetras and Ember Tetras, danios, rasboras such as the Kubotai Rasbora, peaceful gouramis, plecos, and other peaceful community species. They also coexist well with quieter bottom dwellers like the Kuhli Loach, which works the night shift while the chain loaches sleep.

Avoid: bettas, slow moving long finned fish that cannot keep up, and any aquarium where you want to keep ornamental snails, because chain loaches are enthusiastic snail eaters.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Hikari Sinking Wafers, an easy staple that reaches the bottom intact
• Fluval Bug Bites Bottom Feeder Formula, insect based sinking granules
• Hikari Frozen Tubifex Worms, a high value treat for conditioning a school
• Live plants, cover and security that make the school bolder
• Water testing kits, because loaches are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite spikes

FAQ

How many should I get?
Minimum six. Eight or more is even better, since the larger the group the more confident and active the school.

Will they eat my shrimp?
Adult shrimp are usually safe, but baby shrimp and shrimplets are at risk. Not a great choice for a dedicated shrimp tank.

Are they secretly aggressive?
No. These are genuinely peaceful with tankmates. Their only victims are pest snails.

Do they really stay dwarf?
Yes. Adult size tops out around 2.5 inches, which is what makes them so popular for community tanks where a regular Botia would outgrow the setup.