Sumatran neon loach

Pangio bitaimac

A slender violet-brown loach identified by more than a blue sheen.

Live fish can be violet or violet-brown with a subdued blue-violet sheen that varies with lighting. Nasal barbels are separate from the oral barbels. The tail is truncate to slightly notched with a vertical dark base blotch.

Adult length: Up to 9.5 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 21–26 °C
pH: 5.5–7

Natural habitat: Native to the Batang Hari drainage on Sumatra, Indonesia.

Keep at 21–26°C, pH 5.5–7.0 and KH 2–10 dKH. Originates from the Batang Hari drainage in Sumatra. Reaches 95.4 mm SL.

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Appearance and identification

Separated from P. anguillaris by nasal barbels, an anal-fin origin behind the dorsal-fin base and caudal-base pattern in combination. Distinction from P. doriae also uses cheek scales and fin rays. Blue colour alone is not enough. Sumatran neon loach is a trade name, not an artificial fluorescent strain.