Pictures of fish and fish in store may vary, these are just examples/fully grown fish

Banded Dwarf Loach, also known as Yunnanilus cruciatus. With its striking horizontal black stripes set against a pale golden body, this small, peaceful loach is perfect for community tanks. The Banded Dwarf Loach is known for its lively behavior, often seen darting around the tank in small groups, making it an engaging addition to any aquascape. Its manageable size and gentle temperament make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced aquarists.

Care Guide

Aquarium Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons is recommended to provide ample space for swimming and social interaction.
• Aquascaping: Provide plenty of hiding spots using rocks, driftwood, and dense plantings. These loaches appreciate a well-decorated tank with numerous shelters.
• Substrate: A soft, sandy substrate is ideal to protect their delicate barbels. Avoid sharp or rough substrates.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 68-78°F (20-26°C)
• pH Level: 6.0-7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (3-12 dGH)

Diet

• Feeding: Banded Dwarf Loaches are omnivores. Offer a varied diet that includes high-quality sinking pellets, frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia, as well as some vegetable matter like blanched spinach or zucchini and live snails.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily to ensure they get enough nutrition.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful and social. They thrive in groups of at least 5-6 individuals. They are active and enjoy playing and exploring together.
• Tank Mates: Ideal tank mates include other peaceful species such as small tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and other small loaches. Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish.

Health and Maintenance

• Water Quality: Maintain high water quality with regular water changes (20-30% weekly) and efficient filtration. Loaches are sensitive to poor water conditions.
• Disease Prevention: Ensure a stress-free environment and a balanced diet to keep them healthy. Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank to prevent disease introduction.

Breeding

• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate. Breeding in captivity is not commonly reported, but it can be achieved under the right conditions.
• Spawning Conditions: Provide plenty of hiding spots and maintain stable water parameters. Condition the fish with a high-quality diet to encourage spawning.

Additional Tips

• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient. Ensure some shaded areas with floating plants to mimic their natural habitat.
• Water Flow: Moderate water flow is ideal. Use a gentle filter to avoid strong currents that might stress the fish.
• Hiding Spots: Provide ample hiding spots and caves. Banded Dwarf Loaches are shy and need places to retreat and feel secure.

Summary

The Banded Dwarf Loach (Yunnanilus cruciatus) is a delightful and active addition to any community aquarium. Its beautiful striped pattern and lively behavior make it a favorite among aquarists. Easy to care for and with a peaceful nature, these loaches are perfect for creating a dynamic and engaging underwater environment.

Bring life and beauty to your aquarium with the Banded Dwarf Loach. Order now and enjoy the playful antics and striking appearance of these charming fish.

Max Size: 1.4″
pH 6.0– 7.4
Temperature: 77-82F°  (24.5-28°C)

Care Level: Easy
Life Expectancy: 5 Years

Minimum Tank Size Recommended: 10 Gallons
Groups: Recommended in groups 3+ / Thrives in groups 6+