Splendid Loach

Yasuhikotakia splendida

Splendid Loach is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

PeacefulBottom dwellerKeep in a loose group of 6+Beginner – Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

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: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 1–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 12 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 12 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 1–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Splendid Loach is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Splendid Loach should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 6+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Laos.

Similar fish profiles

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

Banded Hillstream Loach Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3" (≤ 7.7 cm) 68–75°F (20–24°C) Barito Loach Kapuasia falaris Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate 2.4–3.1" (6–8 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Venezuela Corydoras Corydoras schultzei Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Adolfos Catfish Hoplisoma adolfoi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Splendid Loach get?

Splendid Loach reaches ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm).

What aquarium size does Splendid Loach need?

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

Is Splendid Loach peaceful?

Yes. Splendid Loach is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Splendid Loach?

Keep it between 20 to 28 °C.

Should Splendid Loach be kept alone or in a group?

Splendid Loach: Keep in a loose group of 6+.