Micronemacheilus cruciatus

A small deep-bodied loach with clear vertical bars that hovers in midwater.

A small, relatively deep-bodied loach with clear vertical bars that hovers in midwater and explores different levels, unlike most bottom-hugging loaches.

Adult length: Up to 4 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 22–27 °C
pH: 6–7.5
Hardness: 2–12 dGH

Native range: Native to coastal river drainages in central Vietnam.

Natural habitat: Unknown

A group needs sufficient floor space and hiding places.

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Diet and feeding

Offer suitably small foods such as small Daphnia and newly hatched brine shrimp; check whether crushed dry food is accepted. Watch for larger fish outcompeting it for food.

Same-species behaviour

Keep a group of at least 8–10 fish and avoid larger, dominant fish. Older individuals may become more secretive.

Sources