Half-banded Loach

Scientific Name: Schistura savona
Common Name: Half-banded Loach
Origin: Mountain streams of India and Bangladesh (Eastern Himalayas)
Adult Size: 2.5 to 3 inches (6–7.5 cm)
Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial toward conspecifics
Swimming Zone: Bottom

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Description

The Half-banded Loach (Schistura savona) is a striking bottom-dwelling species from fast-flowing mountain streams in South Asia. Known for its vivid pattern of dark half-bands across a silvery to golden body, this loach adds bold personality and active movement to any hillstream or river-style setup. Its sleek, torpedo-shaped body and behavior resemble miniature freshwater predators—constantly exploring, grazing, and establishing territory.

Ideal for intermediate aquarists with a passion for current-loving fish, Schistura savona thrives in well-oxygenated tanks with high flow and clean, cool water. Though semi-territorial, they can coexist in groups when provided with enough space and cover.

This is a fantastic choice for biotope-style aquariums or aquascapes looking for active bottom-level dwellers with striking patterns and strong personalities.

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Care Guide

Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (long layout ideal)

• Preferred Layout: Hillstream or river-style setup with strong flow and plenty of hiding spaces

• Substrate: Smooth gravel, sand, or river stones

• Décor: Rounded rocks, cobbles, driftwood, and caves to establish territories and break line of sight

• Filtration: Strong external or internal filters with high turnover (6–10x per hour)

• Water Movement: Essential—add powerheads or directional flow pumps to simulate stream conditions

• Lighting: Moderate; encourages natural algae and biofilm growth

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 68–76°F (20–24°C)

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

• Oxygenation: Very high—add air stones or increase surface agitation

• Water Changes: 25–40% weekly; pristine water quality is important

Diet & Feeding

• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily

• Diet Type: Omnivore with strong preference for protein and benthic organisms

• Preferred Foods:

  • Live/frozen: bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, tubifex

  • Sinking carnivore pellets

  • Repashy gel foods (Bottom Scratcher, Meat Pie)

  • Occasional algae wafers or spirulina for variety

Behavior & Compatibility

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive with its own kind; best kept in small groups with defined territories

• Group Size: 3–5+ recommended with adequate space and décor

• Tankmates:

  • Peaceful, fast-swimming fish from similar habitats (e.g., danios, white clouds, hillstream loaches)

  • Avoid slow-moving or bottom-dwelling species with similar body types

  • Best housed with non-aggressive mid- and upper-level fish

Maintenance Tips

• Provide varied flow zones—strong current for swimming and calmer zones for resting

• Clean substrate regularly to prevent buildup of organic waste

• Encourage natural grazing by allowing some biofilm growth on hardscape

• Monitor for minor fin-nipping or dominance behavior, especially in smaller tanks

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Available Now at Planted Aquaria

Add bold movement and visual flair to your hillstream tank with the Half-banded Loach. This active and inquisitive species is a natural algae grazer, micro predator, and all-around engaging aquarium resident. A rare find for loach lovers and river aquascapers alike.

Limited availability due to seasonal collection. Visit www.plantedaquaria.ca to order or inquire about current stock.