Edit Niwaëlla delicata
You can suggest changes to this profile. A moderator will review each change.
Name
Scientific name
Niwaëlla delicata
Described by
Authority Niwa, Year 1937, Bracketed
Family
Cobitidae
Common names
Ajime Loach
Photograph credits
All 27 credited
Summary
The ajime loach, Niwaella delicata, is a 'true' loach that appears restricted to river drainages of central Honshu, Japan. It lives in shal…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
110mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 90 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement High: fast-flowing river or riffle
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 20–24°C, pH 6.5–7.5
Hardness
0–8dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Japan, Kiso
Writing
Etymology
delicata: from the Latin delicatus, meaning 'delicate, frail'.
Distribution
Appears restricted to river drainages of central Honshu, Japan's largest island, where it's a prized food fish with the vernacular name 'Ajime dojo' translatin…
Habitat
Restricted to shallow, fast-flowing, highly-oxygenated headwaters and minor tributaries characterised by stretches of riffles and runs broken up by pools or ca…
Aquarium size
An aquarium base measuring 90 ∗ 30 cm should be the smallest considered.
Maintenance
Most importantly the water must be clean and well-oxygenated so we suggest the use of an over-sized filter as a minimum requirement. Turnover should ideally be…
Water conditions
Temperature: For general care 20 – 24 °C is recommended but it should withstand warmer conditions provided dissolved oxygen levels are maintained. pH: 6.5 – 7.…
Diet
Much of the natural diet is likely to be composed of benthic algae plus associated micro-organisms which are rasped from solid surfaces. In captivity it will a…
Behaviour and compatibility
Likely to be peaceful although its environmental requirements limit the choice of suitable tankmates somewhat, so research your choices before purchase in orde…
Sexual dimorphism
Unlike in the majority of cobitid loaches males of Niwaella spp. lack a lamina circularis on the pectoral fins, meaning young specimens can be difficult to sex…
Reproduction
Unrecorded.
Notes
It's unlikely this species has yet made its way into the international aquarium hobby though it is available in Japan. It's most easily told apart from congene…
References
References
8 on this profile