At a glance the quick version
Maximum standard length recorded by FishBase.
Looks how to spot one
Miniature stone loach (Nemacheilidae)
A tiny, slender loach with an elongated body that is oval in cross-section. It is one of the smallest loaches known, under 2 cm long without the tail.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
FishBase lists it as a tropical freshwater, bottom-living fish. Detailed aquarium water parameters were not available in the sources reviewed.1
Home where they are happiest
Tropical freshwater, living on or near the bottom.1
The story where it all began
The rosy loach was formally named Physoschistura mango by Kevin Conway and Maurice Kottelat in 2023, in a paper presenting it as a new miniature loach from Myanmar. It belongs to a small genus of Southeast Asian stone loaches.32
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Not Evaluated1
- Taxonomy
- Formally described in 2023 by Conway and Kottelat in the Raffles Bulletin of Zoology (vol. 71, pp. 681-701) as a new miniature loach of the family Nemacheilidae3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Rosy Loach. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Rosy Loach?
Feed your Rosy Loach small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding. Always check the food label and ask your vet for the exact amount.1 Furry Diary plan
What does a Rosy Loach eat, and what should it never eat?
As a bottom-living fish, it likely eats small sinking foods like micro pellets or frozen foods. Avoid large or floating foods that it cannot reach. For a precise diet, ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet.1
How much space does a Rosy Loach need?
This tiny loach is under 2 cm long, so a small tank can work, but always provide enough space for a small group. The exact tank size varies; ask a good breeder for the best setup.13
What temperature, light or water does a Rosy Loach need?
It is a tropical freshwater fish that lives on the bottom. Keep the water warm and stable. Specific parameters were not available, so ask an exotic-pet vet or good breeder for exact values.1
How often should I clean a Rosy Loach's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Always test the water weekly too. Furry Diary plan
Can a Rosy Loach live with others?
Yes, it is a peaceful bottom-dweller that can live with other small, non-aggressive fish. Always research tank mates carefully and ask a good breeder for advice.1
How long does a Rosy Loach live?
Lifespan information was not available in the sources reviewed. It varies by care; ask an exotic-pet vet or good breeder for an estimate.
Can I handle a Rosy Loach?
No, you should never handle this tiny, delicate fish. Handling can injure its slime coat and cause stress. Always use a soft net if you need to move it.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Physoschistura mango fishbase.seused for size, range, body shape, environment, IUCN status
- Wikipedia: Physoschistura en.wikipedia.orgused for common name, genus species count
- Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, volume 71 contents lkcnhm.nus.edu.sgused for description reference (Conway & Kottelat 2023)
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.