loach, any of the small, generally elongated freshwater fishes of the family Cobitidae . More than 200 species are known; most are native to central and southern Asia, but three are found in Europe and one in northern Africa.
Do loach fish bury themselves?
In an aquarium, the kuhli loach can be very reclusive and, when startled, will dart underneath tank ornaments or bury itself, if a fine gravel or sandy substrate is present .
What fish can live with weather loaches?
Ensure they have plenty of space to explore, and a secure fish tank lid to prevent jumping. Feed sinking catfish pellets, with frozen shrimp and bloodworm to supplement. Weather loach are peaceful community loaches and can be kept with a range of fish from goldfish to livebearers like mollies and platy .
Is kuhli loach Hardy?
Kuhli loaches are a hardy, beginner-friendly fish , known for their unique eel-like bodies, beady black eyes, and bristly barbels or whiskers around their mouths.
Can you keep a single kuhli loach?
No, you can’t keep just one kuhli loach . Even though they’re not schooling fish, kuhli loaches are social creatures. They love company and feel more comfortable with friends. In fact, if kept on its own, a kuhli loach will be too afraid to explore the tank and will remain in hiding.
Which loach is best?
Clown Loach
Easily the most recognizable of the Loach family, clown loaches are active and colorful fish, but they can grow to be quite large over time. They are best suited for larger tanks of 55 gallons or more because they thrive in schools.
What is the smallest loach fish?
The smallest loach on our list is the rosy loach because it only reaches 1-1.25 inches (2.5-3 cm) long.
What’s the biggest loach?
Leptobotia elongata , the imperial flower loach, elongate loach or royal clown loach, is a species of botiid fish found in flowing water in the upper and middle Yangtze basin in China. It is the largest species in the family, reaching up to 50 cm (1.6 ft) in length and 3 kg (6.6 lb) in weight.
Do yo yo loaches hide?
If they are kept with an overly aggressive species fish, they quickly begin to spend much of their time in hiding. Some have been known to even go into permanent hiding and ignore food – which generally does not bode well for the health of the yoyo loach.
Do loaches hide?
Why are my Kuhli Loaches hiding?
While they spend a lot of time hiding, they are eager to come out during feeding . My own Kuhli Loaches would at least stick their heads out of hiding spots to reach morsels of food nearby. If provided enough hiding places within the aquarium, this species will feel much more at ease.
Can you put loaches with goldfish?
Dojo Loach
Dojo loaches (or weather loaches) are like foot-long hot dogs with fins that love to swim around, burrow in the gravel, and eat anything you throw at them. These friendly creatures thrive in cold water and are a popular addition to many goldfish tanks .
Can a weather loach live with goldfish?
Loaches. Weather Loaches, also known as Dojo loaches, are commonly recommended companions for goldfish , as they are coldwater fish themselves, requiring temperatures in the 60- to 75-degree range. However, they need to be kept in groups of at least three, and like goldfish, weather loaches require plenty of room.
How many weather loaches should I keep?
Weather loaches are social fish, and you should always keep in groups of at least three . If they are kept on their own, they will spend most of their time hiding, and will rarely be active during the day.
Can kuhli loaches live in gravel?
It can be rocks and pebbles, mud and peat, or sand . Kuhli loaches prefer areas with softer substrates that won’t damage their underbellies or barbels.
Do kuhli loach eat snails?
First, we need to establish the fact that even though the Kuhli is essentially a peaceful fish – it is also opportunistic, meaning they will eat anything smaller they can find on the bottom, be it a smaller fish, or yes – even a small snail .
How big do black kuhli loaches get?
How big do Kuhli Loaches grow? While in the wild Kuhli Loach can grow to a maximum of five inches , they are usually around three inches in aquariums.
Can you keep 2 Kuhli Loach?
They like to hang out at the bottom of the tank, and though can be kept alone, they are typically found in small clusters. Therefore, keep your kuhli loaches in a species or community aquarium in groups of 4 to 5 fish .
Can you keep loaches with shrimp?
Dojo loaches love eating shrimp, so unless you want to feed the shrimp to your dojo loaches, then it is probably not a good idea to put both of them together . Basically, most fish that have big enough mouths to eat shrimp will not hesitate to do so.
How can you tell if a Kuhli Loach is male or female?
SEXING AND BREEDING
Male Kuhli Loaches have a more leaner body in contrast to the females body that takes on a more plumper appearance . Additionally, the pectoral fins of the males are noticeably bigger and more paddle-shaped as well as being more likely to be pigmented to some degree, in contrast to the females.
Are loaches hard to keep?
Caring for kuhli loaches is more challenging than caring for other common freshwater fish because kuhli loaches lack scales, making the fish susceptible to skin diseases. Maintaining exact water parameters that resemble the fish’s natural habitat is essential to prevent diseases in a kuhli loach tank.
Is loach a catfish?
The loach catfishes are a family, Amphiliidae, of catfishes (order Siluriformes). They are widespread in tropical Africa, but are most common in streams at high elevations; most species are able to cling to rocks in fast-flowing streams.
How big do weather loaches get?
Among the largest of the freshwater loaches, there are reports of weather loaches reaching 20 inches in length . The average weather loach kept in aquariums reaches five to eight inches in length. Its hardy nature makes it a beginner’s dream fish.
What loach can go in a 5 gallon tank?
A single kuhli loach needs at least 15 gallons of water to thrive, and for every additional kuhli loach, you need to add at least 5 gallons of extra space. You should get a 25- or 30-gallon tank to keep at least three kuhli loaches. You need a larger tank because kuhli loaches prefer living in small groups.
How big does a Hillstream Loach get?
Hillstream Loach Size
Hillstream Loaches are typically small, with adults reaching a mere 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) , making it easy for them to scavenge food in the smallest of nooks and crannies within their rocky riverbed terrain.
Do weather loaches eat snails?
Yes, they will feed on unwanted snails but cannot replace regular waters changes and suitable filters. Quick fact: They are often sold under the name ‘weather loach’ and their scientific name is Misgurnus anguillicaudatus.
