Ambastaia nigrolineata

Strong lateral and dorsal dark lines; connecting bars are usually less prominent than in adult A. sidthimunki.

Adult length: Up to 8 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 20–25 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: 5–15 dGH

Provide a social group, structured bottom space and well-oxygenated clean water. Slow, long-finned companions may be nipped; this is not a blanket community recommendation.

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Appearance and identification

Strong lateral and dorsal dark lines; connecting bars are usually less prominent than in adult A. sidthimunki. Adult black-lined loaches emphasise longitudinal bands; dwarf chain loaches retain stronger connecting bars. Compare the same life stage.

Floor and movement space

The source recommends a 90 × 30 cm base and at least five or six fish, preferably ten or more. Assess layout and group needs; this is not a capacity formula.

Aquarium environment

The source gives a genus-level warning about eating soft-leaved plants; species-specific damage frequency is unknown. Ornamental snail and shrimp safety is not guaranteed.

Diet and feeding

Provide varied, suitably sized sinking food and small animal foods with suitable plant food; snail predation does not replace feeding.

Same-species behaviour

The source recommends at least five or six, preferably ten or more; not the aquarium stocking limit.

Sources