Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

They are incredibly peaceful but inherently shy and reclusive. They need abundant hiding spots to feel secure enough to explore. They are much more active and visible when the aquarium lights are off.

Diet

Omnivore

They are omnivorous bottom feeders that relish a varied diet. They love to sift the sand for bloodworms and sinking pellets. They will also consume soft detritus and leftover flakes.

Sex ratio

Group

They are highly social loaches that demand the company of their own kind. A group of six or more is strongly recommended. They display zero aggression towards conspecifics.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

They should be fed once a day, preferably after the lights go out. They are very active foragers during the nighttime hours. Provide enough sinking food to ensure it reaches the substrate.

Bioload

They produce a very low bioload, making them excellent for smaller tanks. Their scavenging behavior actually helps maintain overall water quality. They add virtually no strain to a cycled biological filter.

Flow

Stagnant

They prefer calm water with gentle to moderate circulation. High flow environments will cause them unnecessary stress and fatigue. A well-oxygenated but calm tank is their ideal habitat.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Breeding in home aquariums is quite rare and often accidental. They deposit greenish adhesive eggs in very tight crevices or plant roots. Providing a mature, heavily planted tank increases the likelihood of spawning.

Compatibility & tankmates

They are completely docile and perfectly suited for community setups. They must be kept with peaceful, similarly sized fish. Aggressive or large tank mates will easily prey upon them.

Tank level

Bottom

They are dedicated bottom dwellers that rarely swim upwards. They spend their days burrowed in soft sand or hidden in caves. They require a soft, sandy substrate to prevent damage to their barbels.