Dwarf Chain Loach
Ambastaia sidthimunki
Also sold as Sidthimunki
Synonyms Botia sidthimunki · Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki · Chain loach · Ladderback loach · Dwarf loach · Chain botia
Dwarf Chain Loach (Ambastaia sidthimunki) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 6 cm (2.4 in) and swims along the bottom in a shoal. It wants 75–82°F (24–28°C) and pH 6–7.5, is kept in groups of 6 or more, and needs a tank of at least 75 L (20 gal).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 6 cm (2.4 in) |
| Minimum tank | 75 L (20 gal) |
| Group size | 6 or more |
| Temperature | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| pH | 6–7.5 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| GH | 2–12 |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Dwarf Chain Loach needs at least 75 L (20 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 20 Gallon High.
- Keep 6 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
- It holds at 75–82°F (24–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Dojo Loach.
- It can go wrong with Bladder Snail, Malaysian Trumpet Snail and Nerite Snail — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
- A group of 6 takes up roughly 67% of what a 20 Gallon High will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
Dwarf Chain Loach: care and setup
What tank size does it need?
At least 75 L (20 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 20 Gallon High.
How many should I keep?
6 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6–7.5, GH 2–12.
How long does it live?
8–12 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Can it go in a new tank?
No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Dwarf Chain Loach | Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish | Hillstream Loach | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 6 cm | 6 cm | 6 cm |
| Min tank | 75 L | 80 L | 80 L |
| Group | 6+ | 6+ | 3+ |
| Temperature | 75–82°F (24–28°C) | 73–82°F (23–28°C) | 68–75°F (20–24°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Yes | No |