Our Guide To Keeping Horsefaced Loach Fish
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About Fish Species:
- Scientific name: Acantopsis choirorhynchos
- Common name: Horsefaced Loach
- Family: Cobitidae
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Adult length: Up to 15 cm
- Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
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Tank Setup:
- Horsefaced Loaches prefer a tank with a sandy substrate and plenty of hiding places like caves, driftwood, and rocks.
- Provide smooth rocks and hiding spots to mimic their natural habitat.
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Water Parameters:
- Horsefaced Loaches thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
- Keep the water temperature between 22 to 26°C (72 to 79°F).
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Filtration and Water Flow:
- A moderate water flow is suitable for these fish, so choose a filter that provides gentle to moderate flow.
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Diet:
- Horsefaced Loaches are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods. Offer them a balanced diet consisting of sinking pellets, flakes, and frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
- Supplement their diet with vegetables like blanched zucchini and cucumber.
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Tank mates:
- Horsefaced Loaches are peaceful bottom-dwelling fish and can be kept with other peaceful community fish such as tetras, rasboras, and small peaceful catfish species.
- Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping species that may intimidate or harass them.
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Behavior and Compatibility:
- Horsefaced Loaches are peaceful and social fish that enjoy being kept in groups of their own species or with other bottom-dwelling fish.
- They may display territorial behavior towards their own species, especially during breeding.