There are fish species that are nearly impossible to identify based on individual specimens alone and without knowledge of their origin. This is due to a phenomenon known as “intraspecific variation.” The banded loaches of the genus Pangio can largely be distinguished from one another by their coloration, but intraspecific variation is particularly vast in these species. In very typical Pangio myersi, the chocolate-brown bands are very wide and extend from the back to the belly without any lateral bulges. The yellow to red bands in between are very narrow. There is a large dark spot on the caudal fin. P. myersi is the largest species of banded coolie loaches and is found only in the Mekong River basin (southeastern Thailand to western Cambodia).
However, intraspecific variation is enormous, and only relatively few fish look like the “ideal” described above. But they are all beautiful! Two days ago, we received a shipment of magnificent Pangio myersi from Thailand and photographed them immediately. This is because they have a magnificent red base color. After some time in our very clean aquariums with very clear water, this intense red color fades to yellow-orange. However, keeping them in water slightly yellowed by humic acid and on a soft peat substrate brings out the red colors again.
Maximum size: approx. 8 cm; Temperature: 22–28°C; pH and hardness: not important for care (tap water), but should be soft and acidic for breeding; Diet: Omnivorous; Social behavior: Peaceful, very social fish.
For our customers: These animals are listed under code 441068 on our stock list. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesale customers.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
