- Sku: FW1-F7921
- Vendor: Squeaky's Aquatics
Dwarf Chain Loach (Ambastaia sidthimunki)
Your order is reserved — we hold off on bagging until you arrive, so it stays healthy in its display tank.
The Dwarf Chain Loach (Ambastaia sidthimunki) is a small, peaceful, and astonishingly active loach that thrives in tightly-knit groups. Unlike most loaches, it's diurnal — you'll 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; singles and 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 — they come from clear, fast-flowing forest streams.
- Diet: Omnivore. Offer high-quality sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and the occasional blanched vegetable. They'll also happily snack on pest snails.
- Lid required: Strong jumpers, especially when first added — a tight-fitting hood is non-negotiable.
Specifications
| Common Name | Dwarf Chain Loach, Sid the Loach, Pygmy Chain Loach |
| Scientific Name | Ambastaia sidthimunki |
| Origin | Mae Klong basin, Thailand & Myanmar (captive-bred) |
| Adult Size | 2–2.5 inches |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years |
| Care Level | Intermediate |
| Temperament | Peaceful, active, schooling |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons (school of 6) |
| Temperature | 75–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Hardness | 5–12 dGH |
| Diet | Omnivore |
Compatibility
Great with: Panda corydoras, Orange Laser corys, peaceful tetras like Neon Tetras and Black Emperor Tetras, danios, rasboras, peaceful gouramis, plecos, and other peaceful community species.
Avoid: Bettas, slow-moving long-finned fish that can't keep up, and any aquarium where you want to keep ornamental snails — chain loaches are enthusiastic snail-eaters.
Recommended Foods & Supplies
- Sinking pellets & wafers — their staple diet
- Live plants — cover and security for schooling
- Water conditioners & treatments — keep parameters stable
- Water testing kits — loaches are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite spikes
FAQ
How many should I get? Minimum six. Eight or more is even better — 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 reef-safe-looking but really 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 regular Botia would outgrow the setup.
Have a question?
Dwarf Chain Loach (Ambastaia sidthimunki)
