Spotback Loach (Schistura notostigma) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 20 gallons and 72-79°F. A small Sri Lankan stream loach, also sold as the banded mountain loach, built for fast, highly oxygenated water over a pebble bottom. It is more territorial than most small loaches, so give it space and strong flow rather than a crowded, still tank.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Schistura notostigma |
|---|---|
| Family | Nemacheilidae |
| Origin | Sri Lanka (Kanneliya Forest and Gin Ganga river system) |
| Adult size | 3 in |
| Minimum tank | 20 gallons |
| Temperature | 72-79°F |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Temperament | Can be territorial; keep with robust, fast-swimming tankmates |
| Social behavior | Singly or a small group with room to spread out |
| Swim level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Omnivore: sinking pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia; avoid overfeeding, it is greedy |
| Typical lifespan | 3-5 years |
Quick tips
- Provide strong water flow and high oxygenation, like its fast hill-stream habitat.
- Use fine sand plus smooth rounded pebbles so it can dig and perch.
- Give it room; it can be territorial toward its own kind in a small tank.
San Diego water
Captive-bred stock usually adapts to San Diego tap water with slow acclimation. For best color and health, many keepers blend tap with RO/DI water. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi