Edit Ambastaia nigrolineata

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Name

Scientific name

Ambastaia nigrolineata

Described by

Authority Kottelat & Chu, Year 1987

Family

Botiidae

Summary

The black-lined loach, Ambastaia nigrolineata, is a botiid loach from the Mekong drainage in southern China and Laos, and the Nan River in …

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

80mm, standard length

Tank size

Minimum length 90 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm

Water

Temperature and pH

Temperature 20–25°C, pH 6.5–7.5

Hardness

5–15dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Not recorded

Community suitability

Community-safe

Where it lives

Countries

China, Laos, Thailand

Supporting text

Etymology

Ambastaia: Named for Ambastai, a river in Ptolemy’s (ca. 90-168) Geographikê Hyphêgêsis (Handbook of Geography) that is today considered to be the Mekong. nigr…

Distribution

Described from the Lancang Jiang (Lancang River - the Chinese name for the Mekong River) close to the settlement of Menghanzhen, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunn…

Habitat

The type locality is described as a 'small creek with sandy bottom and moderate current' and this species has also been recorded from stretches of riffles in c…

Aquarium size

For long-term maintenance an aquarium with base measurements of 90 ∗ 30 cm36 ∗ 12 in or equivalent should be the smallest considered.

Maintenance

All botiids need a well-structured set-up although the actual choice of décor is more-or-less down to personal taste. A natural-style arrangement could include…

All botiids need a well-structured set-up although the actual choice of décor is more-or-less down to personal taste.

A natural-style arrangement could include a substrate of sand or fine gravel with lots of smooth, water-worn rocks and pebbles plus driftwood roots and branches.

Lighting can be relatively subdued and plants able to grow in such conditions like Microsorum pteropus (Java fern), Taxiphyllum barbieri ('Java' moss) or Anubias spp. can be added if you wish. These have an added benefit as they can be attached to pieces of décor in such a way as to provide useful shade.

Otherwise be sure to provide plenty of cover as Ambastaia spp. are inquisitive and seems to enjoy exploring their surroundings. Rocks, wood, flower pots and aquarium ornaments can be used in whichever combination to achieve the desired effect.

Bear in mind that they like to squeeze themselves into small gaps and crevices so items with sharp edges should be omitted, and any gaps or holes small enough for a fish to become trapped should be filled in with aquarium-grade silicone sealant. A tightly-fitting cover is also essential as these loaches do jump at times.

Although botiids don't require turbulent conditions they do best when the water is well-oxygenated with a degree of flow, are intolerant to accumulation of organic wastes and requires spotless water in order to thrive.

For these reasons they should never be introduced to biologically immature set-ups and adapt most readily to stable, mature aquaria. In terms of maintenance 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 profileFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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Water conditions

Temperature: This species is said to tolerate relatively low temperatures but for general care a range of 20 – 25 °C68 – 77 °F is recommended. pH: 6.5 – 7.5 Ha…

Diet

While Ambastaia spp. appear to be chiefly carnivorous by nature they will also eat vegetative matter if available, often including soft-leaved aquatic plants. …

Behaviour and compatibility

This species is quite mild in temperament and can make an excellent community addition. That said slow-moving or long-finned fishes are best omitted with activ…

Sexual dimorphism

Sexually mature females are normally fuller-bodied and grow a little larger than males, while adult males develop slightly elongated snouts plus noticeably fle…

Reproduction

Unrecorded.

Notes

This specie is relatively rare in the aquarium trade and much sought after by enthusiasts as a result. It looks similar to its only congener A. sidthimunki but…

References

13 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Tank size

Water

Temperature and pH

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries

Supporting text

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References