Rhyacoschistura maejotigrina
Rhyacoschistura maejotigrina was first described by Suvarnaraksha in 2012. This fish belongs to the family Nemacheilidae, which is commonly known as the Brook Loaches.
The genus name Rhyacoschistura can be broken down into three Greek words. Rhy comes from rhýax (Gr. ῥύαξ ), meaning flowing stream or mountain stream. The second part is Schitura, the genus they formerly belonged to and closely resemble. Schistura is derived from the Greek word “schizein” meaning “to split”, and “oura” meaning “tail”, referring to the forked caudal fin. The species name maejotigrina refers to the 77th anniversary of Maejo University in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where Suvarnaraksha and the holotype are located. “Tigrina” means “tiger-like” and refers to the irregular tiger-stripe-like stripes on the sides of the fish.
Synonym: Rhyacoschistura maejotigrina.
Description
General description:
Rhyacoschistura maejotigrina has a slender and elongated body with a unique color pattern consisting of 21-25 dark brown tigerstripe-like stripes on the sides of the body, which do not reach the belly. The head is short and the fins are mostly transparent with some dark markings. The maximum length of this fish is about 5.5 centimeters.
Differences between sexes:
Males often have a suborbital flap and may have small tubercles on the fins, while females lack these features. No significant behavioral differences between the sexes have been reported.
Behavior and temperament:
Rhyacoschistura maejotigrina is a peaceful fish that usually lives solitary or in small groups. They are bottom dwellers and prefer fast-flowing water. They are not particularly shy and can get along well with other peaceful fish species.
Life expectancy:
There is no specific information on the life expectancy of Rhyacoschistura maejotigrina in the wild or in aquariums.
Biotope
Natural distribution:
Rhyacoschistura maejotigrina is native to Thailand, specifically in the Maechaem River system of the Ping River drainage, in the northern Chao Phraya River basin.
Habitat:
This fish lives in fast-flowing, clear waters with a width of 3-4 meters and a depth of 3-75 centimeters. The bottom consists of a mixture of gravel, mud and sand. The environment often contains waterfalls and terraced rice fields.
Natural enemies:
There is no specific information about natural enemies of Rhyacoschistura maejotigrina, but they share their habitat with other fish species such as Schistura breviceps, Schistura pridii, Schistura spilota, Oreoglanis siamensis, Devario sp., Scaphiodonichthys burmanicus and Channa gachua .
Climate:
They live in a tropical climate with a pH range of 7.0 to 7.5 and a temperature of about 17° to 25° Celsius.
Diet
Diet in the wild:
Rhyacoschistura maejotigrina feeds primarily on small invertebrates and insect larvae found in the soil.
Aquarium Diet:
In an aquarium they can be fed a diet of small insects, larvae, and special bottom-dwelling fish food. It is important to provide a varied diet to ensure their health.
The Aquarium
Aquarium size:
An aquarium of at least 60 centimeters is suitable for keeping a pair of Rhyacoschistura maejotigrina. For multiple pairs, a larger aquarium of at least 100 centimeters is recommended.
Aquarium setup:
The aquarium should be setup with lots of hiding places like rocks and wood. A substrate of fine gravel or sand is ideal. Plants can be added but are not essential.
Water parameters:
The best water parameters for Rhyacoschistura maejotigrina are a pH of 7.0 – 8.0 and a temperature of approximately 17° to 25° Celsius.
Compatibility:
This fish species can live well with other peaceful fish species such as small cyprinids and other loaches. Avoid aggressive or much larger fish species.
Breeding aquarium and conditioning
There is no specific information available about breeding Rhyacoschistura maejotigrina in an aquarium.
Particularities
Schistura maejotigrina is a relatively new species, only described in 2012 and moved from Schistura to Rhyacoschistura in 2019. They are endemic to a small area in Thailand and have a unique colour pattern that sets them apart from other Bermpjes.
Conclusion
Rhyacoschistura maejotigrina is an interesting and unique fish species that is suitable for advanced aquarists. They require a specific habitat with fast-flowing water and plenty of hiding places. Although there is limited information available about their breeding in aquariums, they can live well with other peaceful fish species. Keeping this fish can be an enrichment for a well-equipped aquarium.
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
Nonn Panitvong – Siamensis.org
