Dwarf Chain Loach

Scientific Name: Ambastaia sidthimunki

The Dwarf Chain Loach is a small, active freshwater loach known for its distinctive black chain-like markings over a silver to golden body. Unlike many loaches that spend much of the day hiding, Dwarf Chain Loaches are often active and visible throughout the aquarium, making them an entertaining addition to planted and peaceful community tanks.

Dwarf Chain Loaches are highly social fish and should be kept in groups of at least six whenever possible. They spend their time exploring the bottom and middle levels of the aquarium, foraging through the substrate, investigating plants and décor, and interacting with members of their group. Their small adult size makes them much more manageable than larger loaches, although they still require adequate swimming space, excellent water quality, and a proper social group.

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful / Active / Social
Adult Size: Approximately 2–2.5 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Diet: Omnivore

Recommended Setup: A mature, well-filtered aquarium with clean, well-oxygenated water, gentle to moderate water movement, a soft sand or smooth substrate, driftwood, rocks, plants, caves, and plenty of shaded hiding areas. Keep Dwarf Chain Loaches in groups of at least six and provide a varied diet of quality sinking foods supplemented with small frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. They may eat small snails and shrimp, so they should not be considered completely invertebrate-safe.

Please Note: Live fish naturally vary in size, coloration, pattern, and appearance. The fish you receive may not look exactly like the individual pictured.

All livestock from Felipe’s Fish is carefully selected and prepared for safe transport. Please review our shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee policies before ordering.