Vietnamese Multi-Banded Zebra Loaches are very peaceful fish. Typical Behavior of Yunnanilus Сruciatus Temper: In aquariums, this species generally lives for 3 – 5 years, if appropriately cared for. The anal fin is straight.Ĭurrently, there is no data available on the maximum lifespan of Yunnanilus cruciatus in the wild. The pectoral fin has 8–10 branched rays the caudal fin has 16 branched rays. This species has distinct 14–18 black vertical bars from the operculum to the caudal peduncle. The body coloration is usually silver or yellowish. The eyes are medium-sized the eye diameter is greater than the interorbital distance. There are two pairs of large papillae in the median portion of the lower lip. This species has well-separated anterior and posterior nostrils. The cheeks are scaleless. The body is long and compressed laterally. The typical adult size of this species ranges from 1.4 to 1.6 inches (3.5 to 4 centimeters) in length.ĭistinguishing characteristics of Yunnanilus cruciatus : Vietnamese Multi-Banded Zebra Loach is a very small freshwater fish. This species prefers shallow and slow-moving waters with dense aquatic vegetation and the substrate is muddy and sandy. These fish can be found in the coastal rivers of central Vietnam from the An Lao River (Binh Dinh Province) to the Phong Nha River (Quang Binh Province).

Yunnanilus cruciatus is endemic to Vietnam. The species name “Cruciatus” likely draws inspiration from the Latin word “Cruciate or Crux”, meaning “cross-shaped,” which beautifully reflects the distinctive cross markings on the fish. The genus name “Yunnanilus” is derived from the region of Yunnan in China, where some species of loaches are found. Serov transferred all members of Micronemacheilus to the newly erected genus Traccatichthys, except Nemacheilus cruciatus, which was moved to Yunnanilus and as Micronemacheilus was placed in its synonymy. In 1944, Swedish zoologist Carl Hialmar Rendahl (1891-1969) described this species as Nemacheilus cruciatus and established the genus Micronemacheilus for it In some cases, species can be so similar that morphological variation is often inconsistent with molecular evidence. There are more than 47 genera and 756 species in Nemacheilidae. Loaches belonging to Nemacheilidae are a taxonomically challenging family of freshwater fish. Yunnanilus cruciatus (Micronemacheilus cruciatus, Nemacheilus cruciatus) Hovering Zebra Loach, Pygmy multi-stripe loach, Banded dwarf loach, and Vietnamese Striped loach

Quick Notes about Yunnanilus Сruciatus Name In this guide, I gathered everything we currently know about Yunnanilus cruciatus including tank setups, habits, diets, compatibility, etc. These little active fish require warm temperatures and slightly acidic water to thrive. Yunnanilus cruciatus is a fairly hardy species and can be recommended even for beginners. These small loaches are known for their distinctive markings on their bodies, which give them their name. Yunnanilus cruciatus, commonly known as Vietnamese Multi Banded Zebra Loach, is a fascinating freshwater fish species found in the rivers of Southeast Asia.

2 inch zebra loach