This species of loach was introduced into the aquarium hobby before being officially described. Thus, it is known by several different names included Leopard Loach, Angelicus Loach and Marbled Loach. The Polka-dot Loach typically exhibits a black or dark brown body ornamented with a variety of yellow blotches. As these fish mature, the yellow blotches may shrink and additional small yellow stripes may appear on the body. Polka-dot Loaches are believed to be endemic to the Salween River basin between Myanmar and Thailand. These fish tend to inhabit slow-flowing waters where the substrate is sand or gravel and the water is highly oxygenated.