Known only from the remote, mountainous area of Putao in Kachin state, northern Myanmar. The holotype and most of the type series was collected from the Nan Hto Chaung (Nan Hto stream) with the Mali Hka River representing the only other locality known. Both are part of the upper Irrawaddy/Ayeyarwady system.

The Nan Hto Chaung flows through forested hills and…

Like most badids B. pyema is poorly documented in aquarium literature and has yet to find significant popularity in the hobby, though given its restricted natural distribution it is unlikely ever to be available in large numbers and has only been collected on three occasions to date. It has a very slender body shape, likely an adaptation to its habitat, and in this respect is similar to B. kyar. However B. kyar possesses relatively solid dark, uniform vertical bars on the flanks whereas in B. p…

This species has not appeared in the ornamental fish trade to date though has been maintained by a handful of private collectors and enthusiasts.

It was known for some years prior to description and identified as Badis dario (as Dario dario was known at the time) but is actually much closer to D. hysginon.

This is one of the most frequently-traded members of the group and is an excellent choice for those new to keeping loaches. It’s distinguishable from congeners by a combination of characters including: rounded/truncate caudal-fin; a scaleless patch on top of the head; relatively large adult size; flanks with spotted patterning in females and a solid…

This is one of the most frequently-traded members of the genus and is an excellent choice for those new to keeping loaches.

It’s distinguishable from congeners by a combination of characters including: relatively large adult size (to at least 80 mm SL); rounded/truncate caud…

This species is traded on a fairly regular basis and is similar in appearance to some congeners, most notably S. bella, S. mahnerti, S. multifasciata, S. poculi, S. reticulata, S. longa, S. conirostris and S. udomritthiruji.

This assemblage has been referred to as the Schistura multifasciata ‘group’, and members share a…

This species is almost unheard of in the hobby with the specimen pictured above the only one we're aware of. It was imported into the United Kingdom in late 2011 as bycatch among a shipment of mastacembelid eels from northern India, and the identification was subsequently confirmed by Justin Havird, senior author of the most recent revision of the genus.

Adult patterning of the different geographical forms can vary considerably though young specimens all possess 5 solid dark bars on each flank and are often confused with those species exhibiting a similar juvenile pattern, particularly B. kubotai. However the horizontal dark bars on the flanks in B. kubotai typically split at quite a young age and/or develop horizontally-orientated ‘peaks’ whereas those in B. histrionica remain solid for longer and the central bar usually has a pale spot at the top so forms a ‘y’ shape.

Juveniles of this 'species' (probably a group of species – see 'distribution') are traded in large numbers but it's still uncommon to see adult specimens in the hobby suggesting their needs are not catered for often enough. This is a shame as when maintained properly they're hardy, long-lived and interesting aquarium residents. Other trade names include 'long-nosed' and 'banana' loach. Please note although certain that more than one species is being tr…

According to Kottelat (1990) the chief distinguishing characters for the genus are: possession of 9-18½ branched dorsal-fin rays; colour pattern without black basal caudal bar, but with an ocellus at upper base of caudal-fin; upper lip with or without several rows of papillae; lower lip with a broad median interruption and a widened, papillated pad on each side.