Yunnanilus cruciatus 3 - (Yunnanilus cruciatus) — 3-4cm

Overview

Crossband Loach (Yunnanilus cruciatus) is a tiny, peaceful Vietnamese loach with striking banded patterning that thrives in a planted, softly furnished community tank. Endemic to Vietnam, where it inhabits shallow, slow-moving river stretches with sandy or muddy substrate and dense aquatic vegetation, this species is prized for its delicate beauty and manageable size. Now available for sale UK from Tropical Fish Co, this charming nano loach is ideal for the specialist keeper seeking a peaceful, bottom-dwelling species.

Appearance

The Crossband Loach is extremely small, typically reaching around 3.4 cm in total length. The body is elongated and cylindrical, marked with a series of bold dark crossbands alternating with pale or golden bands along the entire length of the fish. The overall effect is zebra-like and highly attractive, especially under subdued lighting. The fins are delicate and transparent. Healthy specimens have bright, clear eyes and smooth, unblemished scales.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, Yunnanilus cruciatus is endemic to Vietnam, where it inhabits shallow, slow-moving river stretches with sandy or muddy substrate and dense aquatic vegetation. The water is typically soft, warm, and slightly acidic, with minimal current and plenty of organic matter. The substrate is composed of fine sand or mud, and the fish spend much of their time foraging among plants and leaf litter for small invertebrates and organic detritus.

Aquarium Setup

A small, well-planted aquarium of at least 40 litres is recommended for a small group of Crossband Loaches. Use a soft sandy or very fine substrate, and incorporate plenty of cover in the form of live plants, driftwood, smooth rocks, and leaf litter. Subdued lighting and gentle filtration will help replicate the calm, shaded waters of their natural habitat. A tightly fitting lid is advisable, though loaches are generally less inclined to jump than cyprinids. Maintain stable, clean water and avoid strong currents, as this species prefers calm environments.

Feeding

The Crossband Loach is a carnivore and thrives on a varied diet of small live and frozen foods. Offer bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, and other tiny meaty foods daily, supplemented with quality sinking micro-pellets or wafers. This species may also pick at biofilm and microorganisms growing on surfaces. Feed twice daily in small amounts to maintain excellent water quality and avoid overfeeding.

Behaviour

This loach is peaceful, retiring, and best kept in a small group, where individuals will feel more secure and display natural behavior. They spend much of their time foraging on the substrate and among plants, and are most active during dawn and dusk. Males may engage in mild displays, but serious aggression is rare. Due to their tiny size and delicate nature, they are easily stressed by fast-moving or boisterous tankmates.

Tank Mates

The Crossband Loach is suitable for a peaceful nano or community aquarium with other small, calm fish. Good tankmates include small peaceful fish that prefer similar cool-to-moderate temperatures, other small, non-aggressive bottom-dwelling fish of similar size, and potentially shrimp in heavily planted tanks (though small shrimp and fry may be eaten). Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, boisterous barbs, large loaches, and fish that outcompete them for food.

Breeding

Breeding the Crossband Loach is not commonly reported in home aquaria. If it occurs, it is likely to involve well-conditioned adults in a mature, heavily planted tank with fine substrate and excellent water quality. Little reliable information is available on captive breeding.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

Tropical Fish Co is a leading UK aquatics specialist offering rare and beautiful nano species like the Crossband Loach direct to your door. Every fish is quarantined, inspected, and dispatched with expert care to ensure it arrives in peak condition. With decades of experience, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer support, we make it easy to add peaceful, attractive species to your collection. Order online today and enjoy fast, reliable delivery across the UK.