Species profile
Dwarf Chain Loach
Ambastaia sidthimunki
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
100 L minimum aquarium
5–6 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Small but highly social botid loach. Keep a proper group on fine sand with abundant hiding structure and clean, oxygen-rich water.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
Up to 12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Inverts
Bioload factor
0.9
Active social loach with a hierarchy. Groups reduce stress and distribute sparring; avoid delicate long-finned fish.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
100 L
Minimum footprint
80 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Ambastaia sidthimunki
Alternative names
Dwarf Chain Loach, Dwarf Loach, Sidthimunki Loach, Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki
Native range
Thailand and neighbouring parts of the Mekong/Chao Phraya region; wild populations are highly threatened.
Natural habitat
River and floodplain habitats with clean water, sand/gravel, woody shelter and seasonal flow.
Diet & feeding
Benthic omnivore/invertebrate feeder; takes insect larvae, small crustaceans, snails and quality sinking prepared foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Adult females are typically fuller-bodied; clear external sexing is otherwise limited.
Breeding
Most aquarium stock is commercially propagated; routine spontaneous home-aquarium breeding is uncommon.