Origin
Native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya River basins in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Typically found in fast-flowing rivers with rocky substrates.

Visual & Functional Appeal
Displays vivid black vertical bands over a golden-tan body, with red-tipped fins and a downturned mouth for bottom-feeding. Its banded pattern adds movement and contrast in larger aquascapes.

Purpose
Acts as a substrate scavenger and helps stir the lower water column. Also serves as a centerpiece species due to its active and bold behavior. May help control snail populations.

Importance
Valued by loach enthusiasts for its size, coloration, and personality. Best suited to dedicated species tanks or large community setups with tough tank mates.

Included Resources
Requires strong current, oxygen-rich water, and plenty of hiding spots (rocks, driftwood, tubes). Sand or fine gravel substrate is ideal. A tight lid is essential—these loaches are escape artists.

Best Use Cases
Ideal in Southeast Asian river biotopes or semi-aggressive community tanks with barbs, larger danios, or other loaches. Avoid delicate or slow-moving species.

Conservation Context
Wild populations are declining in some areas due to habitat degradation. Supporting tank-bred specimens can reduce pressure on native ecosystems.

Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Clown loaches and larger Botia species
• Tiger barbs, tinfoil barbs
• Rainbowfish
• Silver dollars
• Large rasboras and danios

Region (A)
• Latitude: 15.8700° N
• Longitude: 100.9925° E
(Central Thailand — Chao Phraya River basin)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 12.5657° N
• Longitude: 104.9910° E
(Cambodia — Lower Mekong River system)