Edit Paracanthocobitis zonalternans

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Name

Scientific name

Paracanthocobitis zonalternans

Described by

Authority Blyth, Year 1860

Family

Nemacheilidae

Common names

Not recorded

Photograph credits

All 8 credited

Summary

Paracanthocobitis zonalternans is a nemacheilid loach ranging from Manipur in India through Myanmar into western and peninsular Thailand. S…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

78mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 60 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement High: fast-flowing river or riffle

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 20–25°C, pH 6–7.5

Hardness

2–10dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Not recorded

Community suitability

Community-safe

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Ayeyarwady, Brahmaputra, Chindwin, Mae Klong, Salween, Sittaung, Tapi

Writing

Etymology

Paracanthocobitis: from the Greek παρά (para), meaning ‘close beside,’ and the genus Acanthocobitis from the Greek ἄκανθος (ákanthos), meaning ‘thorned’, in re…

Distribution

This species' known range extends southwards from the Indian state of Manipur (Brahmaputra River system) through Myanmar (including the Chindwin, Ayeyarwady, S…

Habitat

Recorded to inhabit a range of biotopes from headwaters to larger river channels and is said to show a preference for shallow riffles with pebbly substrates (K…

Aquarium size

A tank with base dimensions of 60 ∗ 30 cm is big enough to house a small group.

Maintenance

Will do well in most well-maintained aquaria provided sufficient cover is available, and should not harm softer-leaved plants. However we recommend keeping it …

Will do well in most well-maintained aquaria provided sufficient cover is available, and should not harm softer-leaved plants. However we recommend keeping it in a set-up designed to resemble a slow-moving or marginal section of stream or river with a sandy substrate and perhaps a few water-worn boulders.

This can be further decorated with driftwood roots and branches arranged to form some shaded spots, plus a few handfuls of dried beech, oak or Terminalia (Indian Almond) leaves.

Adaptable plants such as Microsorum, Bolbitis or Anubias spp. can be grown attached to the décor and bright lighting will promote the growth of aufwuchs which will add to the natural feel.

In this kind of environment the fish will show more natural behaviour and can be maintained alongside other species that enjoy similar conditions.

Although a high level of water movement isn't essential it's also proven to thrive in a mature hill stream-type set-up with a rocky aquascape. Weekly water changes of 30-50% tank volume should be considered routine.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

Web address

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DOI

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Title

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Authors

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Year

Journal or publisher

Pages

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Anything worth adding

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Water conditions

Not written yet

Diet

Probably a micropredator feeding on insect larvae and suchlike in nature. Singer and Page (2015)[9] report that stomach contents examined during their study we…

Behaviour and compatibility

Among the more peaceful members of the genus and an excellent addition to communities of small, stream-dwelling fishes. Good tankmates include peaceful schooli…

Sexual dimorphism

Dominant males of some populations develop yellow to reddish orange colouration in the finnage, around the mouthparts and sometimes in the anterior portion of …

Reproduction

Several successes have now been recorded but the first was by UK aquarist Mick Wright who obtained his specimens from fellow fishkeeper Andy Rushworth. Andy ha…

Notes

Paracanthocobitis zonalternans differs from all other species of Paracanthocobitis by the combination of incomplete lateral line ending before or near dorsal-f…

References

9 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References