More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 60 litres / 15.85 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 8.0cm / 3.15inches |
| Temperature | 21°C / 69.80°F - 26°C / 78.80°F |
| Hardness | 0.00dgH / 0ppm - 8.01dgH / 143ppm |
| pH | 4.0-7.0 |
General Description
Pangio Shelfordii, a member of the family Cobitidae, is a peaceful fish that poses no threat to tankmates and is commonly found in forest streams and calm habitats. They have a distinctive patterning with midlateral blotches, dark bars, and unique dorsal markings, and are known for their slender body shape and high number of vertebrae.
Aquarium Setup
For optimal care, Pangio Shelfordii should be housed in a tank with soft, sandy substrate to accommodate their burrowing nature. Providing driftwood, leaf litter, and ample hiding spaces is recommended. Dim lighting, aquatic plants, and gentle filtration with minimal flow are ideal. Water conditions should be maintained at a pH range of 4.0-7.0, hardness of 0-143ppm, and a temperature of 21-26°C (see table).
Behaviour
Pangio Shelfordii are peaceful and often found in large groups in their natural habitat. In captivity, they prefer to congregate in shelters such as caves. It is advisable to keep them in groups of at least 5-6 individuals. They coexist well with small, peaceful species from similar environments as tankmates.
Feeding and Diet
Being micropredators, Pangio Shelfordii sifts through substrate for insect larvae and small crustaceans. Their diet consists of live and frozen foods like Daphnia, Artemia, and bloodworms. They also consume organic detritus and plant material found in the gut contents of their prey.
Reproduction & Dimorphism
Reproduction of Pangio Shelfordii has not been recorded in aquarium settings, but they are presumed to be seasonal spawners in their natural habitat. Adult females are typically larger and heavier-bodied than males. Male fish can be identified by visibly branched and thickened first pectoral-fin rays.
Habitat and Distribution
Pangio Shelfordii is distributed across Southeast Asia in regions such as Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, and Borneo. They inhabit shallow, slow-moving forest streams, swamps, and backwaters with peat, mud, or sandy substrates. The species thrives in shaded waters with minimal dissolved minerals and low pH levels.