Sumo Loach
Schistura balteata
Sumo Loach is a bottom-dwelling fish.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Sumo Loach?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 37 US gal (140 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Temperament
- Semi-Aggressive
- Swimming zone
- Bottom dweller
- Temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)
- pH
- 6–7.5
- GH
- 4–12 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 8 years
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate.
Lifespan: up to 8 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 37 US gal (140 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 4–12 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Sumo Loach needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Sumo Loach should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 37 US gal (140 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
- Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
- Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Thailand, Myanmar.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Sumo Loach get?
Sumo Loach reaches ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm).
What aquarium size does Sumo Loach need?
Use an aquarium of at least 37 US gal (140 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Is Sumo Loach peaceful?
Sumo Loach needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.
What temperature is suitable for Sumo Loach?
Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.
