Panther Loach

About

Found in the Brahmaputra basin of Assam, northeast India, this stream loach, Acanthocobitis pavonacea, turns up occasionally in shipments of wild-caught fish from the region and is sometimes sold under the nicknames 'panther' or 'puma' loach. Names that hint at its patterned appearance. It stands apart from its closest relatives in several ways: a notably long dorsal fin carrying up to 18 branched rays, a tapered, spear-shaped tail rather than the rounded or truncate form seen in related species, and a distinctly elongate, slender body. A small ocellus at the upper base of the caudal fin is one of the key identifying marks for the genus. Taxonomically it has had a complex history, having passed through several genus names over the years, and some sources still list it as Nemacheilus pavonaceus. Captive reports are scarce, but the species appears to be bold without being particularly combative. Given its potential adult size, very small tankmates are best avoided. Naturally occurring neighbors from the Brahmaputra, cyprinids, Garra species, and other loaches of similar stature, make sensible companions. Breeding in captivity has not been documented, which along with its relative scarcity makes this a species best suited to keepers with some loach experience under their belt.