Horseface Loach - Acanthopsoides molobrion

Scientific name: Acanthopsoides molobrion

Common name: Horseface Loach

Family: Cobitidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 4 - 5 cm (1.57 - 1.97 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 28 °C (71.6 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and Feeding

The Horseface Loach is quite adaptable when it comes to diet and will accept a variety of foods including high-quality flake foods and granules. However, to ensure optimal health and vibrancy, it is recommended to include occasional treats such as tubifex worms, which they particularly enjoy. Additionally, offering live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp can further enhance their diet and provide enrichment.

Origin

Horseface Loaches are native to Southeast Asia, specifically found in river basins ranging from India to Indonesia. They inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams, where they can often be found burrowing into the soft riverbed substrate.

Sexing

Currently, there are no reliable visual or physical differences between male and female Horseface Loaches. Determining their sex accurately remains challenging and generally requires specialized breeding techniques or observation of their breeding behavior.

Breeding

As of now, successful breeding of Horseface Loaches in captivity has not been documented. Breeding these fish in an aquarium setting presents challenges, and no specific methods or conditions have been established to encourage spawning. Enthusiasts should monitor for any potential breakthroughs in breeding practices or research developments in the future.

Lifespan

With proper care and suitable conditions, Horseface Loaches can live up to 5 years. Ensuring a stable environment, appropriate water parameters, and a balanced diet will contribute to their longevity and overall well-being.

Short Description

The Horseface Loach is a nocturnal fish with a distinctive appearance and behavior. During daylight hours, it prefers to remain partially buried in the substrate, emerging at night to search for food. These loaches thrive in low-light conditions, so adding floating plants to the aquarium is beneficial. With a maximum size of up to 5 cm, they are suitable for medium-sized tanks. It’s advisable to use potted live plants rather than loose ones, as these loaches frequently root around in the substrate, which can disturb unpotted plants.