横带棘鳅

Overview

Paracanthocobitis zonalternans is a relatively peaceful stream loach with documented aquarium breeding. Color and pattern vary geographically, and the name may cover more than one species. Retaining locality information is therefore useful.

Distribution & habitat

Records extend from Manipur through Myanmar into western and peninsular Thailand. Langkawi records exist, while occurrence on mainland Peninsular Malaysia remains uncertain. Habitats range from headwaters to larger channels. Clear flowing water with rocks and roots is common, but exposed, slower streams over mud and sand also occur.

Aquarium setup

Use sand, smooth stones, branching wood, and leaves to provide cover and multiple routes around the aquarium. Attached plants add structure. A slower stream-margin arrangement or a mature rocky hillstream setup can both work. Strong flow throughout the aquarium is unnecessary. Make regular weekly partial water changes. Soft-leaved plants are generally not damaged.

Diet & feeding

Stomach examinations found chironomid and mayfly larvae, supporting a diet centered on small animal prey. Sinking dry foods are accepted, but include regular live or frozen water fleas, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.

Behaviour & compatibility

Keep a mixed group of six or more, preferably at least ten. Males establish a hierarchy and may challenge one another, usually without serious problems in a well-structured aquarium. Peaceful cyprinids, compatible hillstream loaches, and suitable stream gobies are options. Aggressive or strongly territorial bottom dwellers are poor companions.

Sexual dimorphism

Males have a suborbital flap and thickened, tuberculate pectoral rays. Dominant males from some populations develop yellow to orange-red color around the fins, mouth, or front of the body. Females lack these features and tend to be larger and fuller.

Breeding

Successful methods protect eggs with fine mesh beneath a double layer of marbles, using sponge filtration. In one account, a second male caused excessive fighting and was removed. One male and three females then spawned overnight before all adults were taken out. This temporary breeding arrangement is not a general recommendation for crowded maintenance.

Well-conditioned fish may spawn daily without a special trigger. A spawning can produce around three hundred eggs. Hatching takes about twenty-four to thirty-six hours, and fry swim independently within approximately three days. Begin with paramecia, followed by newly hatched brine shrimp; later foods can include chopped worms and crushed flakes.

Notes

An incomplete lateral line, an axillary pelvic lobe, and locality-related markings aid identification. A continuous or broken side stripe alone does not resolve the possible species complex.