Schistura spilota

Schistura spilota

Schistura spilota is a bottom-dwelling fish. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.

Semi-AggressiveBottom dwellerSolitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional contextIntermediate – Advanced

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Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
Aquarium size: 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 68–79°F (20–26°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 2–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Choose an aquarium that meets the listed minimum requirements.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–26 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Schistura spilota 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.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Thailand.

Important notes

The dated group_size_min=5 is not a demonstrated social minimum. Conspecific groups are possible only with divided territories and greater space.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Barito Loach Kapuasia falaris Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate 2.4–3.1" (6–8 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Amazon Leaffish Monocirrhus polyacanthus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–84°F (23–29°C) Argentine Humphead Gymnogeophagus balzanii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 7.9" (≤ 20 cm) 70–77°F (21–25°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Similar care level Similar diet Similar group behavior Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Blue Fin Hillstream Loach Gastromyzon aeroides Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.6 cm) 68–75°F (20–24°C)

FAQ

How large does Schistura spilota get?

Schistura spilota reaches ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm).

What aquarium size does Schistura spilota need?

Use an aquarium of at least 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Schistura spilota peaceful?

Schistura spilota needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Schistura spilota?

Keep it between 20 to 26 °C.

Should Schistura spilota be kept alone or in a group?

Schistura spilota: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.