The arrow loach (''Nemacheilus masyae'') is a species of

ray-finned fish Actinopterygii (; ), members of which are known as ray-finned fish or actinopterygians, is a class of bony fish that comprise over 50% of living vertebrate species. They are so called because of their lightly built fins made of webbings of sk ...

in the genus ''

Nemacheilus ''Nemacheilus'' is a genus of stone loaches native to Asia. Species These are the currently recognized species in this genus: * '' Nemacheilus anguilla'' Annandale, 1919 (eel loach) * '' Nemacheilus arenicolus'' Kottelat, 1998 * '' Nemache ...

''.

Information

''Nemacheilus masyae'' or the "arrow loach", can be found in a freshwater environment within a benthopelagic depth habitat. They are native to a tropical climate. The average length of the ''Nemacheilus masyae'' as an unsexed male is about . The body of this species is a light colour with dark splotches that can be found on its side. It can be identified by its elongated slim body. The arrow loach is known to be found in the areas of Asia, western Malaysia, Peninsular Thailand, the Meklong, part of the Mae Nam Chao Phraya basins, and the Mekong Basin. It is known to occur in shallow forest rivers and steams. They prefer a slow current of clear to slightly turbid water, with a muddy or sandy bottom. As far as their diet goes, this species feeds on insects, larvae, and invertebrates that live in the water. The females of this species are somewhat larger and of a bigger stature than the males are. The

specific name Specific name may refer to: * in Database management systems, a system-assigned name that is unique within a particular database In taxonomy, either of these two meanings, each with its own set of rules: * Specific name (botany), the two-part (bino ...

honours the scientific illustrator Luang Masya Chitrakarn, also known as Prasop Teeranunt (1896–1965), for his interest and zeal in the study of Thai fishes.

Aquarium

''Nemacheilus masyae'' has the ability to be an aquarium fish and is used for commercial use. It is considered to be an easily maintained fish. A tank size that is about 30 by 60 centimeters is the minimum size that is recommended for this species. The temperature should be about . The diet of ''Nemacheilus masyae'' consists of frozen food like ''

Daphnia ''Daphnia'' is a genus of small planktonic crustaceans, in length. ''Daphnia'' are members of the Order (biology), order Anomopoda, and are one of the several small aquatic crustaceans commonly called water fleas because their Saltation (gait), ...

'', ''

Artemia ''Artemia'' is a genus of aquatic crustaceans also known as brine shrimp or '' sea monkeys''. It is the only genus in the family Artemiidae. The first historical record of the existence of ''Artemia'' dates back to the first half of the 10th cent ...

'', and bloodworm that will result in the best colouration and condition.

References

M Fish described in 1933 Taxobox binomials not recognized by IUCN {{Nemacheilidae-stub