Order : Cypriniformes
Family : NEMACHEILIDAE
Species : Nemacheilus selangoricus
Standard Length (excludes tail) : 5.9 cm
(Fishbase 2026)

Nemacheilus selangoricus (Grey-banded Loach, Grey-banded Sand Loach) is a bottom-dweller which inhabits slightly acidic, clear, fast-flowing forest streams with a sandy (or gravelly) substrate free of leaf litter and vegetation (Fishbase, 2026, Ho et al, 2016).

Its body-shape is elongate, and oval in cross-section. Adults typically grow to around 6 cm in length. Its cream/grey banded patterning is effective camouflage against sun-dappled stream beds.

It possesses three pairs of sensitive barbels with which to detect the movement of prey; its diet comprises small, aquatic invertebrates and organic detritus.

This small species of loach is known from southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, parts of Borneo (e.g. Sabah), and Belitung Island in Indonesia (Fishbase, 2026).

As a consequence of the aquarium trade it has been introduced to aquatic habitats in other countries, such as the U.S.A. (where it is called 'Fighting Loach'). (See link below)

Figs 1 and 2 : An example from a sandy, shallow forest stream, Singapore, measuring around 4 cm standard length.

Fig 3 : Sandy forest stream, with fast-flowing stretches suitable for Nemacheilus selangoricus in Singapore.


References :

Ho Jonathan K. I., Sorain J. Ramchunder, Andrew Memory, Meryl Theng, Li Tianjiao, Esther Clews, Cai Yixiong, Tan Heok Hui & Darren C. J. Yeo. (2016). A Guide to the Freshwater Fauna of Nee Soon Swamp Forest.  Singapore: Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum & Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore. 139 pp.

Fishbase - Nemacheilus selangoricus

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Nemacheilus selangoricus