Berdmore's Loach

Berdmore's loach is a large relative of the tiger loaches from the big rivers of Myanmar. Its yellowish-olive body carries dark bands and spots, and its fins have a reddish tinge. Adults can reach 25 cm. It is a bold, assertive feeder; rank fights are frequent in newly formed groups.

• At least 400 liters and 180 cm of length for 5–6 adults.
• 22–26°C, pH 6.5–7.5; strong filtration and plenty of oxygen.
• Sturdy decor with large roots and stones and many shelters.
• A heavy, tight lid is essential; it jumps.

An omnivore leaning toward meaty foods, with a hearty appetite. Offer sinking granules and tablets, bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, mysis and blanched vegetables. It hunts snails and shrimp.

It can be active and quarrelsome; it frightens very small fish and nips the fins of slow, long-finned species. Bullying increases in groups of one to three.

Good companions: large barbs, devarios, big botias such as clown loaches and blue botias, large and fast tetras.

Avoid: snails, shrimp, small and timid species, long-finned fish such as angelfish and bettas.