Page 182 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

180 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

LOACHES

Often confused with catfish, loaches belong to
the family Cobitidae and occur in both tropical
and temperate regions. All loaches have barbels
around the mouth and, even though it is not
always obvious, a spine below each eye.
When a loach feels threatened, it will raise
its spines, making itself more difficult for
a predator to swallow. The spines can easily
become entangled in a net, so extra care is
called for when catching these fish. Loaches
are mostly shy, nocturnal fish, and so may
have to be coaxed into view with live foods.

The Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) is more conspicuous
in the aquarium than many of its relatives, not only because of its
attractive patterning, but also because it is more active in the daytime.

Pangio kuhlii Acantopsis dialuzona Yasuhikotakia morleti
Coolie Loach Horse-Face Loach Skunk Loach

ORIGINS Southeast Asia, on the Malay Peninsula, as well ORIGINS Southeast Asia, from Vietnam and Myanmar ORIGINS Southeast Asia, ranging eastward from
as Java, Sumatra, and other nearby islands. (Burma), via the Malay Peninsula, to Borneo and Sumatra. northern India to Thailand.
SIZE 4 in (10 cm). SIZE 9 in (23 cm). SIZE 4 in (10 cm).
DIET Prefers worms, but will take tablets. DIET Prepared foods and live foods. DIET Eats a wide variety of foods.
WATER Temperature 75–86°F (24–30°C); soft (50 mg/l) WATER Temperature 75–86°F (24–30°C); soft (50 mg/l) WATER Temperature 79–86°F (26–30°C); soft (50 mg/l)
and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5). and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5). and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5).
TEMPERAMENT Relatively social. TEMPERAMENT Nonaggressive. TEMPERAMENT Peaceful.
The beautiful banding of Coolie Loaches is highly The golden-yellow coloration of the Skunk
variable, ranging from predominantly yellow to Long, thin body Loach is broken by a black stripe running
reddish between individuals. These fish burrow along the entire length of the body and
readily into the substrate and may even disappear a black band that encircles the caudal
completely out of peduncle. Like other Botia loaches, it has two pairs
sight beneath the Horselike head shape of sensory barbels on its snout, which help it to
undergravel locate food as it digs in the substrate. The lighting
Banding
may not filter plate if for this fish should be subdued, and the tank decor
encircle the they can gain The pattern of dark spots on a brownish-yellow must include retreats where the fish can shelter.
underparts access to this background is variable, probably reflecting the
part of the different local habitats in which this fish naturally Longitudinal stripe
Eel-like tank. Spawning occurs. In the aquarium, very little will be seen of
body is possible in the Horse-Faced Loach, since it spends most of its
aquarium time either on the bottom of the tank or buried in
surroundings, the substrate with just its face protruding. A fine-
with the green grained covering over at least part of the tank’s
eggs simply being base is recommended for burrowing purposes.
scattered among Aquarium plants should be set in pots, to prevent
the tank vegetation. them from being uprooted by the loach’s activities.

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