Schistura Sp. 3

Datasheet

General Description

The fish known as Schistura Sp.3 is part of the Nemacheilidae family in the Cypriniformes order. This species is typically small, with a maximum size of around 5.0cm. It belongs to the Schistura genus, which is highly diverse and includes over 190 species, many of which have been described since 1990. The exact identity of this fish is uncertain due to similarities with other vertically-barred Schistura species found in northern India.

Aquarium Setup

For optimal care, Schistura Sp.3 should be housed in a tank that mimics its natural habitat of flowing streams or rivers. A tank of at least 72 litres capacity is recommended. The setup should include a substrate of rocks, sand, fine gravel, and water-worn boulders. Driftwood branches can be added to create hiding places and shaded areas. Hardy aquatic plants like Microsorum, Bolbitis, or Anubias spp. can be grown in the tank. Maintaining a high level of dissolved oxygen and some water movement is crucial, requiring the use of power filters, powerheads, or airstones. Regular water changes of 30-50% of the tank volume per week are necessary to keep organic pollutants in check.

Behaviour

The behaviour and reproductive habits of Schistura Sp.3 are not well-documented, with information on its interactions, territoriality, or social dynamics remaining unrecorded. As a loach species, it is likely to exhibit characteristics common to its family, such as scavenging for food along the substrate and sheltering in crevices or under driftwood.

Feeding and Diet

Schistura Sp.3 is an omnivorous fish known to consume small insects, worms, crustaceans, and zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, it can be fed dried foods of appropriate sizes but should also be offered live or frozen options like Daphnia, Artemia, and bloodworms to maintain optimal health and coloration.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Details regarding the reproductive behavior and sexual dimorphism of Schistura Sp.3 are currently unavailable. Given the complexity of the Schistura genus, variations in reproductive strategies and physical characteristics between male and female individuals are possible, though specific information for this species is lacking.

Habitat and Distribution

The exact distribution of Schistura Sp.3 is unclear, with speculation that it originated from northern India. Members of the Schistura genus typically inhabit flowing streams and areas near waterfalls with high levels of dissolved oxygen. Some species in this genus are adapted to cave-dwelling environments, displaying reduced pigmentation and blindness due to their troglobitic lifestyle. The Nemacheilidae family, to which Schistura Sp.3 belongs, is widely distributed across Eurasia, with significant species diversity in regions like the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and China.