{"product_id":"hyphessobrycon-herbertaxelrodi-black-neon-tetra-copy","title":"Protomyzon Pachychilus (Panda Loach)-In store collection only","description":"\u003ch2 data-end=\"279\" data-start=\"252\"\u003eProtomyzon pachychilus - \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eonly available for instore collection\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"385\" data-start=\"280\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"296\" data-start=\"280\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Panda Loach\u003cbr data-end=\"311\" data-start=\"308\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"322\" data-start=\"311\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Southern China (Guangxi region)\u003cbr data-end=\"357\" data-start=\"354\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"368\" data-start=\"357\"\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gastromyzontidae\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"409\" data-start=\"387\"\u003eProduct Highlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"742\" data-start=\"410\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"474\" data-start=\"410\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"474\" data-start=\"412\"\u003eStriking black-and-white banded pattern reminiscent of a panda\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"541\" data-start=\"475\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"541\" data-start=\"477\"\u003eTrue hillstream loach adapted to fast-flowing, oxygen-rich water\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"600\" data-start=\"542\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"600\" data-start=\"544\"\u003ePeaceful and highly specialised algae and biofilm grazer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"670\" data-start=\"601\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"670\" data-start=\"603\"\u003eIdeal for river-style aquascapes with smooth stones and strong flow\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"742\" data-start=\"671\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"742\" data-start=\"673\"\u003eRarely aggressive and suitable for carefully planned community setups\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"759\" data-start=\"744\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1083\" data-start=\"760\"\u003eProtomyzon pachychilus, commonly known as the Panda Loach, is a distinctive hillstream loach species native to the cool, fast-flowing streams of southern China. Its flattened body and enlarged pectoral fins form a natural suction mechanism, allowing it to cling effortlessly to rocks and glass in high-current environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1462\" data-start=\"1085\"\u003eUnlike more commonly seen loaches, the Panda Loach exhibits bold, contrasting black and white banding rather than spots, making it instantly recognisable and highly sought after by enthusiasts of river biotopes. This species spends most of its time grazing on biofilm, algae, and microorganisms that develop on hard surfaces, making it both functional and visually fascinating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1485\" data-start=\"1464\"\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1746\" data-start=\"1486\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1534\" data-start=\"1486\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1534\" data-start=\"1488\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1502\" data-start=\"1488\"\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum 60 litres recommended\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1564\" data-start=\"1535\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1564\" data-start=\"1537\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1553\" data-start=\"1537\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18–24 °C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1590\" data-start=\"1565\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1590\" data-start=\"1567\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1580\" data-start=\"1567\"\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5–7.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1638\" data-start=\"1591\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1638\" data-start=\"1593\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1612\" data-start=\"1593\"\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1687\" data-start=\"1639\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1687\" data-start=\"1641\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1650\" data-start=\"1641\"\u003eFlow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strong, directional flow essential\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1746\" data-start=\"1688\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1746\" data-start=\"1690\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1706\" data-start=\"1690\"\u003eOxygenation:\u003c\/strong\u003e High dissolved oxygen levels required\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1886\" data-start=\"1748\"\u003eStable water parameters and excellent water quality are critical. This species is sensitive to poor oxygenation and elevated temperatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1917\" data-start=\"1888\"\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2137\" data-start=\"1918\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1948\" data-start=\"1918\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1948\" data-start=\"1920\"\u003ePeaceful and non-territorial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1992\" data-start=\"1949\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1992\" data-start=\"1951\"\u003eBest kept in small groups of its own kind\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2049\" data-start=\"1993\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2049\" data-start=\"1995\"\u003eCompatible with other peaceful, current-loving species\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2095\" data-start=\"2050\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2095\" data-start=\"2052\"\u003eAvoid slow-moving or long-finned tank mates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2137\" data-start=\"2096\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2137\" data-start=\"2098\"\u003eDoes not bother plants or invertebrates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2275\" data-start=\"2139\"\u003ePanda Loaches are active during daylight hours and are constantly in motion, moving between stones and hardscape surfaces as they graze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2288\" data-start=\"2277\"\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2498\" data-start=\"2289\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2342\" data-start=\"2289\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2342\" data-start=\"2291\"\u003eNatural algae and biofilm form the base of the diet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2498\" data-start=\"2343\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2361\" data-start=\"2345\"\u003eSupplement with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2498\" data-start=\"2364\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2391\" data-start=\"2364\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2391\" data-start=\"2366\"\u003eHigh-quality algae wafers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2417\" data-start=\"2394\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2417\" data-start=\"2396\"\u003eSpirulina-based foods\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2461\" data-start=\"2420\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2461\" data-start=\"2422\"\u003eBlanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2498\" data-start=\"2464\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2498\" data-start=\"2466\"\u003eFine sinking foods for grazers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2597\" data-start=\"2500\"\u003eRegular feeding is important, especially in newer aquariums where natural biofilm may be limited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2627\" data-start=\"2599\"\u003eAquascaping \u0026amp; Usage Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2906\" data-start=\"2628\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2681\" data-start=\"2628\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2681\" data-start=\"2630\"\u003eBest suited to \u003cstrong data-end=\"2681\" data-start=\"2645\"\u003eriver-style or stream aquascapes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2739\" data-start=\"2682\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2739\" data-start=\"2684\"\u003eUse rounded river stones, cobbles, and smooth hardscape\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2801\" data-start=\"2740\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2801\" data-start=\"2742\"\u003eStrong flow created using powerheads or directional filters\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2851\" data-start=\"2802\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2851\" data-start=\"2804\"\u003eFine sand or smooth gravel substrates preferred\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2906\" data-start=\"2852\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2906\" data-start=\"2854\"\u003eAllow surfaces to mature with natural biofilm growth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2990\" data-start=\"2908\"\u003eHeavily planted tanks are less important than hardscape and flow for this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"3030\" data-start=\"2992\"\u003eWhy Choose Protomyzon pachychilus?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3267\" data-start=\"3031\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3095\" data-start=\"3031\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3095\" data-start=\"3033\"\u003eA true specialist species for advanced and dedicated aquarists\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3154\" data-start=\"3096\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3154\" data-start=\"3098\"\u003eUnique appearance rarely seen in standard community fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3211\" data-start=\"3155\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3211\" data-start=\"3157\"\u003eAdds authenticity and movement to river biotope setups\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3267\" data-start=\"3212\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3267\" data-start=\"3214\"\u003eFunctional algae grazer without disturbing aquascapes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"3277\" data-start=\"3269\"\u003eFAQs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3444\" data-start=\"3278\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3324\" data-start=\"3278\"\u003eIs the Panda Loach suitable for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3327\" data-start=\"3324\"\u003eThis species is better suited to intermediate or advanced aquarists due to its specific flow and oxygen requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3596\" data-start=\"3446\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3493\" data-start=\"3446\"\u003eCan it live in a standard planted aquarium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3496\" data-start=\"3493\"\u003eOnly if strong flow and high oxygenation are provided. River-style layouts are strongly recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3742\" data-start=\"3598\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3623\" data-start=\"3598\"\u003eIs this species rare?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3626\" data-start=\"3623\"\u003eYes. Protomyzon pachychilus is uncommon in the trade and is usually imported intentionally rather than incidentally.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AOA-Livestock","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41478386811013,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0385\/6331\/5845\/files\/Panda_loach_4.jpg?v=1775251243","url":"https:\/\/www.artofaqua.com\/products\/hyphessobrycon-herbertaxelrodi-black-neon-tetra-copy","provider":"Art of Aqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}