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Text and photos by Nick Baker, unless otherwise stated

 EcologyAsia 2008
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Grey-banded Loach
   



4 cm specimen from a shallow forest stream, Singapore. 

Family : BALITORIDAE
Species : Nemacheilus selangoricus
Maximum Length : 6-9 cm

References : F1

The Grey-banded Loach inhabits clear, forest streams : it prefers free-flowing water, and a sandy substrate free of leaf litter and vegetation.

Its body-shape is elongate, and oval in cross-section. Larger specimens may reach up to 9 cm in length, however most adults specimens are around a maximum 6cm or so. Its banded patterning helps to camouflage it against sun-dappled stream beds. Benthic in habit, it feeds on aquatic invertebrates and organic matter.

The species ranges from at least Southern Thailand, through Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to parts of Borneo and Indonesia. It has been introduced to the waterways of other countries, such as the U.S, as a result of the aquarium trade.