Edit Annamia normani

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Name

Scientific name

Annamia normani

Described by

Authority Hora, Year 1931

Family

Gastromyzontidae

Summary

The Vietnamese giraffe loach, Annamia normani, is a hillstream loach from Mekong tributaries in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia and from coastal…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

100mm, standard length

Tank size

Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement High: fast-flowing river or riffle

Water

Temperature and pH

Temperature 21–25°C, pH 6–7.5

Hardness

1–10dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Community-safe

Where it lives

Countries

Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam

Supporting text

Etymology

Annamia: named for Annam, a former French protectorate which today comprises the central region of Vietnam. normani: named in honour of British ichthyologist J…

Distribution

Recorded from numerous tributary drainages of the Mekong River in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, including the Khone Falls area. In Vietnam it is also known from …

Habitat

Inhabits shallow, swiftly-flowing stretches of streams and minor rivers, most often having a noticeable gradient with substrates of rocks and cobbles. Many of …

Aquarium size

Minimum base dimensions of 120 ∗ 30 cm48 ∗ 12 in or equivalent are recommended.

Maintenance

Since Annamia spp. are obligate residents of riffles and rapids in nature it is essential to maintain them in a set-up designed to resemble such a habitat. Use…

Since Annamia spp. are obligate residents of riffles and rapids in nature it is essential to maintain them in a set-up designed to resemble such a habitat.

Use a substrate of gravel, sand (or a mixture), and add a layer of variably-sized water-worn rocks and boulders plus some driftwood roots or branches if you wish. While the majority of aquatic plants will fail to thrive in such surroundings, hardy genera such as Microsorum, Bolbitis, or Anubias can usually be grown attached to the décor, while bright lighting will promote the growth of aufwuchs upon which the fish will graze.

Like many species that naturally inhabit running waters they are intolerant to the accumulation of organic waste, and requires spotless water in order to thrive. High levels of dissolved oxygen and water movement are also essential with a recommended turnover of 10-15 times per hour, meaning additional powerheads, airstones, etc., should be employed as necessary.

Since stable water conditions and the presence of biofilm are obligatory for their well-being these fish should never be added to biologically-immature aquaria, and weekly water changes of 30-50 % aquarium volume should be considered mandatory.

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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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DOI

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Title

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Authors

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Year

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Pages

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Anything worth adding

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Water conditions

Not written yet

Diet

Traditionally considered to be a micropredator feeding on insect larvae and suchlike (Rainboth, 1996)[4], but a study by Herder and Freyhof (2006)[2] revealed …

Behaviour and compatibility

Largely peaceful, although its environmental requirements limit the choice of suitable tankmates somewhat. Species inhabiting similar environments include Bari…

Sexual dimorphism

Sexually mature females are usually a little larger and fuller-bodied than males.

Reproduction

Presumably a seasonal spawner in nature, but has not been bred in captivity.

Notes

This species has been traded as 'Vietnamese lizard loach', 'Vietnamese Homaloptera' and 'Vietnamese giraffe loach'. Annamia spp. may be confused with related g…

References

11 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