This beautiful loach comes from Burma, where it is found in the Irrawaddy system. They are exceptionally lively animals that are constantly in action with each other. For this reason, it is not acceptable to combine fish that love peace with Paracanthocobitis rubidipinnis. The animals – they become about 6-7 cm long – are however also entertaining enough, in order to be cared for alone in a species-specific tank. Then it is best to keep them in a small group of 3-7 specimens. The tank should have a sandy and gravelly bottom and some flat, hand-sized stones should lie on the bottom. Underneath, the animals dig caves, which they defend against other animals.
In neutral mood, the species, that differs from all other members of its genus through the especially long back-fin with 13 1/2 to 15 1/2 divided fin-rays, already looks pretty enough pretty enough. But when the animal comes in reproductive mood, it becomes very dark and the fins and barbels intensively red. The females (recognizable by the stronger stomach-circumference and different shape of pectoral fins) color more intensively than the males.
We can currently offer this beautiful fish, which is best kept at room temperature (18-22°C) except for breeding, in sexually mature bred specimens.
For our customers: the animals have code 360832 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
