Care
The Serpent Loach is found in clear, high-gradient waters with a very swift current. Often the terrain is mountainous and the relatively shallow waterways are surrounded by gallery forests. The river bed is rocky and with many large boulders that intensify the current in places.
The aquarium should be mature and mimic the natural conditions as closely as possible, with vigorous water movement and plenty of rocky crevices. If plants are desired, they should be robust. This species is very upfront, inquisitive, and highly sociable; large groups (6+) are an absolute must. Tankmates should be small, peaceful, and benefit from the same fast flowing conditions. S. octozona have a remarkable ability to cling onto various surfaces at every angle, even in the throes of the strongest current. This is often whilst scouring the environment for food or when playing follow the leader with the rest of the shoal. Do ensure that the aquarium has tight fitting coverslides and no little escape holes - this is a fish that is able to walk vertically up the glass. Like other fish from flowing waters, these loaches are intolerant of a build up of organic pollutants, so ensure that a regular partial water change schedule is in place. Differs from other Lao cobitids by the following set of characteristics: body oblong with short rounded snout, barbels relatively short, small vertically elongated black blotch at caudal base, body with prominent pattern of dark bars, dorsal and forked caudal with rows of horizontally elongated black spots. Differs from its congeners S. cingulata and S. zonata by the following combination of characters: 7-8 regular dark bars on body, much wider than interspaces, and 90-95 lateral line scales.
Feeding
Small meaty frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp etc are all taken eagerly. Will also feed on small sinking pellets/granules, and crushed flake.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
