Panda loach

The panda loach is a small freshwater hillstream loach of the family Nemacheilidae, native to fast-flowing, oxygen-rich streams in Guangxi, southern China. Juveniles show bold black-and-white banding that gives the species its name, fading toward a more olive-and-cream pattern with maturity. It is a peaceful, active fish that does best in a small group, grazing biofilm and algae from rocks and clinging to surfaces in the current. It requires cool, highly oxygenated water with strong flow, mimicking its native torrents, along with smooth rocks and a mature tank rich in aufwuchs. It feeds on biofilm, algae and small invertebrates, supplemented with quality prepared and frozen foods. It is sensitive to warm, poorly oxygenated or unstable water, so a dedicated hillstream setup is recommended over a standard community tank.