Photos © Sean Evans
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| Common name: | Panda Loach |
| Scientific name: | Yaoshania pachychilus |
| Synonyms: | Protomyzon pachychilus |
| Origin: | Southern China: streams draining the Dayaoshan mountains in Guangxi Province. |
| Size: | 6cm (2.5") |
| Recommended tank size: | 60 x 30cm (24 x 12") or larger. |
| Tank setup: | "River rapids" style setup with plenty of flow and good oxygenation. Use a sand and/or gravel substarte and add pebbles and smaller boulders to simulate a stream bed. |
| Compatibility: | Keep in a group, only mildly territorial behaviour is likely to be shown towards members of its own species. Unlikely to bother tankmates, but choose fish that are compatible with the high flow rates preferred. |
| Temperature: | 20-24oC (68-75oF) |
| Water chemistry: | Bright, clear, well-oxygenated water, soft to slightly hard and around neutral pH (pH 6.5-7.5). |
| Feeding: | Appears to be mainly herbivorous, feeding on algae and the organisms within it. Use veggie-based foods to supplement any natural algae in the tank. Avoid regular use of any high-protein meaty foods such as bloodworm. |
| Sexing: | No obvious differences, mature females are likely to have a heavier body shape. |
| Breeding: | Unknown |
| Comments: |
A relative newcomer to the aquarium hobby, the striking juvenile pattern that gives this fish its common name does change as the fish matures, but it's still an attractive and interesting aquarium subject for a river rapids type setup.
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