锉柯氏鳅

Overview

A small sand-sifting loach, Kottelatlimia pristes often arrives as incidental bycatch under assorted trade names. It is not robust enough for busy, competitive communities; soft substrate, quiet companions, and stable blackwater conditions are more useful priorities.

Distribution & habitat

Records include Selangor, Sumatra’s Riau province, Sarawak, and much of Kalimantan outside the reported South Kalimantan range. Slow forest streams and peat swamps provide shaded, tannin-stained, mineral-poor water. It is particularly associated with leaf litter or peat rather than exposed sand.

Aquarium setup

Use at least a 45 by 30 cm footprint with fine sand for burial. Secure rocks and wood before adding substrate and leave usable sand between cover. Dim lighting and leaves provide shelter. Keep the aquarium biologically established and free of accumulating waste; strong flow is unnecessary if oxygenation is adequate.

Diet & feeding

This micropredator extracts tiny invertebrates from sifted substrate. Offer varied sinking foods and suitable live or frozen prey such as brine shrimp, water fleas, insect larvae, or small worms.

Behaviour & compatibility

Choose small peaceful fishes compatible with soft acidic water, avoiding large or dominant feeders. Other loaches need matching adult size and environmental requirements. Genus-level guidance suggests at least four; peaceful interactions do not guarantee that eggs or fry will be spared.

Sexual dimorphism

Male pectoral rays are modified with eight to eleven pointed serrations along the inner edge. Adult females tend to be larger and fuller-bodied.

Notes

Unlike the miniature K. katik, it lacks long nasal barbels. A dark mark at the anal-fin origin and two spot rows on that fin also help comparison with another close relative.