六斑平鳍鳅

Overview

Adapted to fast water, Pseudohomaloptera sexmaculata has a flattened body and commonly moves across solid surfaces by crawling or short hops. Similar-looking lizard loaches and mixed shipments can complicate identification. Clean, oxygen-rich water and mature grazing surfaces are central to its care.

Distribution & habitat

Native records are from Thailand, with Chiang Mai as the type locality and the Chao Phraya and Mae Klong systems forming the principal stated range. Adults favor shallow riffles and runs with clear, highly oxygenated water over gravel, stones, boulders, or bedrock. Algae and other microorganisms cover these surfaces with biofilm.

Juveniles are more often found in gentler sections containing gravel and submerged roots. Aquatic plants are sparse, whereas bankside vegetation is usually well developed.

Aquarium setup

Provide a footprint of at least about 80 × 30 cm. Use substantial filtration and aim for circulation of roughly 10–15 tank volumes per hour, adding pumps or aeration where needed. Oxygen availability matters as much as flow. Sand, gravel, or a mixture can support varied smooth stones, with roots and branches adding structure.

Robust attached plants may be grown on the decorations. Introduce fish only into a stable, biologically mature system with established attached growth. Make regular partial water changes while retaining biofilm on stones and other surfaces. A secure lid is essential because the fish can climb glass.

Diet & feeding

Related hillstream loaches graze biofilm and its small crustaceans, insect larvae, and other invertebrates. This species likewise needs mature surfaces to browse. Some sinking preparations may be accepted, but regular live or frozen Daphnia, Artemia, bloodworms, and similar foods should supplement them.

Assess body condition before purchase. Severely wasted fish can be difficult to restore and need continuously accessible suitable food with minimal competition.

Behaviour & compatibility

It is not aggressive but tends to be retiring, and its flow and oxygen requirements restrict companion choices. Stream-adapted small open-water fishes, gobies, and rheophilic catfishes are possibilities. Evaluate other loaches individually; minor disputes may occur with fishes using similar surfaces.

Related hillstream loaches are not strongly territorial toward one another and appear to benefit from company, supporting a group of at least four. This broader observation does not guarantee the behavior of every individual or community combination.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature females are usually slightly larger and fuller-bodied.

Breeding

Aquarium reproduction has not been recorded.

Notes

Confusion involves the similar Pseudohomaloptera leonardi and Pseudohomaloptera yunnanensis. Pectoral-fin rays help distinguish them: this species has two unbranched and 12–14 branched rays, compared with six and eleven in the former, and seven and twelve in the latter.

Older records may use Homaloptera or Balitoropsis, while the current name is Pseudohomaloptera. Flattened body contours and horizontally expanded paired fins favor attachment to rocks in current. Limited open-water swimming and surface-crawling movements are normal adaptations.