肉桂潘鳅

Overview

Pangio cuneovirgata is a small eel loach with 7–13 dark saddle markings across the upper body. It is seldom offered deliberately and can arrive mixed with similar species. A group, soft substrate, and ample shaded shelter are central to aquarium care.

Distribution & habitat

Records span southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and western Java. The fragmented range has been questioned, and some early locality information may be unreliable.

Typical sites include shallow, slow forest streams, swamps, oxbows, and backwaters. Both peat-associated blackwater and clear water with varying tannin staining are occupied. Tree cover and bankside vegetation provide shade. Mineral content and buffering are low, while peat, mud, or sand may lie beneath accumulations of leaves where the fish congregate.

Aquarium setup

Provide a footprint of at least about 45 × 30 cm. Soft sand allows normal digging and burial; coarse gravel can cause stress, abrasions, or feeding difficulty. Arrange roots, branches, and dried leaves into multiple shaded retreats, with low-light plants if desired.

Use subdued lighting and gentle filtration with modest surface movement rather than strong current. Protect filter intakes and fit the lid closely. Newly introduced loaches are particularly liable to find gaps or jump.

Diet & feeding

The fish takes in substrate and sorts it through the mouth and gills to extract insect larvae, small crustaceans, and similar prey. Organic debris and plant material from prey intestines may contribute to its wild diet; that does not make aquarium plants its primary food.

Offer sinking prepared foods together with regular live or frozen Daphnia, Artemia, bloodworms, microworms, and similar items. Food should reach the areas where the loaches feed.

Behaviour & compatibility

Eel loaches are generally peaceful with each other and other fishes, although eggs or fry may be eaten. Keep at least five or six. Resting fish often crowd together in one crevice or cave. Choose small, mild-mannered companions with matching water needs. Some other sand-dwelling loaches compete strongly for food or defend territories, so membership of the same broad group does not establish compatibility.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature females are generally larger and fuller-bodied. Males develop a visibly thickened, branched first pectoral-fin ray.

Notes

Long nasal barbels are present. The similar Pangio malayana has a notched rather than truncate tail edge. A dark tail-base blotch, clear caudal fin, and yellowish upper-body background provide additional clues for P. cuneovirgata. Sharp spines below the eyes can become caught in nets when a fish is stressed.