Care
With a first quick glance, many would be duped into assuming this diminutive beauty was a species of Kuhli/Eel loach. It is one of several dwarf spineless eels from the family Chaudhuriidae, closely related to the swamp and spiny eels that are so appreciated by oddball aquarists. In all, 6 genera of dwarf spineless eels are currently recognized, and all are found in Asian freshwater habitats. These flexible little critters also go by the name of Earthworm Eel on account of their similar appearance to that of the garden worm. With regards to identification, neither the dorsal fin or anal fin has spines - hence the common name. In this genus (as well as that of Nagaichthys), the dorsal and anal fins have fused with that of the caudal, creating in effect one extremely long fin that wraps around the posterior of the fish. In the other 4 genera (Bihunichthys, Chaudhuria,Chendol, and Garo), the caudal fin is small but separate. The sole representative of Nagaichthys, N. filipes, attains a maximum total length of just 31mm, whereas the subject of this article reaches around 80mm. The Pillaia genus comprises just 2species, P. indica from the SouthGaro Hills region of India, and P.kachinica, which is known from the Irrawaddy River near Myitkyina, northern Myanmar. In the wild, Indian Dwarf Spineless Eels are always found in small colonies (average 10-12 fish) under an abundance of leaf litter that lines high-altitude, clear swampy pools, bogs, and sluggish streams. The substrate is silty and vegetation (both submerged and floating) is dense. Large specimens are sometimes observed protruding from small socket-like holes in driftwood all by themselves; possibly dominant males who have secured themselves the best available hiding places. These dwarf spineless eels make fabulous aquarium inhabitants and their relatively small adult size means that they may be kept in smaller quarters than that required by their larger, spiny cousins. This will undoubtedly appeal to lovers of oddball fish who do not currently have space for a sizeable aquarium. Ideally, the tank should be furnished with a soft sand substrate in order to protect these "scale-less" fish from damaging themselves on sharp stones when foraging for food or when burying themselves (which they may do from time to time). Rounded, water-worn cobbles may be used along with small pieces of driftwood to further decorate the aquarium. Dense planting will be much appreciated by these shybottom-dwellers. In the wild, they tend to avoid bright light, so a network of shady hiding places is a must. Filtration should be effective but gentle, and regular small partial water changes are a must in order to keep nitrogenous wastes to a minimum. Dried Indian almond leaves (Terminalia catappa) could also be used to create a very natural leaf-strewn biotope, but these will require periodical replacement as they disintegrate. Always keep these little eels in good-sized groups and only with tankmates that are of similar size and temperament, and who enjoy the same conditions. P. indica is listed as endangered on the IUCN red list due to the threat of deforestation in the surrounding areas, which has the knock-on effect of causing extreme siltation within the streams.
Feeding
Carnivorous. Offer plenty of small meaty frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, daphnia, and vitamin-enriched brineshrimp. Over time some specimens will take small sinking pallets, granules, and crushed flakes.
Breeding
Little is known about the breeding habits of this species, although gravid females have been seen, with large-sized eggs; this species would make a very interesting breeding project for the serious hobbyist.
