Chameleon loach (Syncrossus beauforti)

Scientific name: Syncrossus beauforti Smith, 1931

The Chameleon loach (Syncrossus beauforti) is a freshwater fish of the family Cobitidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–28°C (75–82°F). Native range: Asia, Mekong, Chao Phraya and Meklong basins; northern Malay Peninsula.

Chameleon loach care at a glance

Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

Biology

Has 9-12 faint vertical bars with superimposed longitudinal rows of spots of different sizes; several longitudinal stripes on the head and the upper anterior part of the body; a black margin and 3 longitudinal rows of spots on the dorsal fin; several vertical rows of spots on the caudal fin; 9 branched dorsal-fin rays; erect ethmoid spine never perpendicular to snout when viewed from above; small mental lobe, lower lip without papillae.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Syncrossus beauforti
Family: Cobitidae (Loaches)
Order: Cypriniformes (Carps)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 25.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5; dH range: ? - 5 demersal
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Asia: Mekong, Chao Phraya and Meklong basins; northern Malay Peninsula.
Conservation status (IUCN): Near Threatened (NT)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)