Ambastaia nigrolineata

With black horizontal lines running from head to tail on a pale cream background, Ambastaia nigrolineata is easy to tell apart from other botias. Adults reach 7–8 cm. Some records in older sources that were thought to belong to the dwarf chain loach are believed to actually belong to this species. Its population in Thailand is considered endangered.

• At least 120 liters and 100 cm of length for a group of 8–10.
• 20–25°C, pH 6.5–7.5; it likes cooler water than the tropical botias.
• Fine sand, roots, stones and caves; well-oxygenated water and moderate flow.
• A tight lid is essential; it jumps.

An omnivore leaning toward meaty foods. Offer small sinking granules, bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp and blanched vegetables. It hunts small snails.

Gentle and social; it establishes a complex pecking order within the group. When kept alone it may become withdrawn or start harassing others. It gets along well with active community fish.

Good companions: rasboras, danios, White Cloud Mountain minnows, small barbs, other small botias.

Avoid: snails, shrimp, slow and long-finned fish, species that need warm water (28°C+).