Grey-Banded Sand Loach (Nemacheilus selangoricus)

Grey-Banded Sand Loach (Nemacheilus selangoricus)

A pair of Grey-banded Sand Loaches found in a sandy forest stream in Bintan. (Photograph by: Jiayuan Lin)

Family: Nemacheilidae

Species Name: Nemacheilus selangoricus 
Common Name: Grey-Banded Sand Loach, Grey-Banded Loach
Presence in Singapore: Native
Habitat: Sandy freshwater forest streams
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (Red Data Book 3)

The Grey-Banded Sand Loach is rarely seen in Singapore, where it is restricted to a small area in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Unlike other fishes found in forests, the Grey-Banded Sand Loach prefers clear, sandy forest streams that have little vegetation. It is a small fish growing to around 6cm on average in length. They use their barbels to feel for foodstuffs such as small invertebrates among the substrate. It is critically endangered in Singapore as it is threatened by habitat loss and the presence of invasive species.

References

• Lim, K.P. and Ng, K.L. 1990. A Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre.
• National Parks Board (NParks). Freshwater Fishes. Retrieved from https://www.nparks.gov.sg/nature/species-list/freshwater-fishes.