Common Name: Checkerboard Sand Loach, Arrow loach

Scientific name: Nemacheilus masyae

other scientific name(s): Noemacheilus masyae, Nemacheilus masyai (both are misspellings)

Family: Cobitidae.

Origin: Malasia & Thailand

Maximum Size: - 13.5cm/5.3"

Care: - As the common name suggest, this loach should be kept on a sand substrate. They are a peaceful loach and will do fine with most other species, including those from the botia species. They need some hiding spaces, preferably under wood but can often be seen during the day "basking" ontop of it.

Feeding: Most foods are accepted, has a love of bloodworm and tubifex.

Sexing and Breeding: - Not known to breed in aquariums. The female often lays eggs, but the males don't seem to fertalsie them.

Compatibility: - A nice sized Loach which suits any peaceful community tank.

Comments: - The picture below shows a male and female. At the time it was taken she was full of eggs and layed them approx 3 days later.