Loach catfish Care Guide

Care Process

The Loach Catfish is a moderately hardy species, making it suitable for aquarists with some experience. It thrives in a moderately maintained environment. The ideal pH range for a Loach Catfish is between 6.5 and 7.5, and the water temperature should be maintained between 18°C and 27°C.

Feeding

Loach Catfish have a diverse diet and benefit from a mix of different types of foods to thrive. Include quality flakes and pellets as staple foods. Supplement with protein-rich options like bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, frozen shrimp, and feeder fish. Offer daphnia and micro worms for variety. Incorporate vegetable matter and algae wafers to ensure nutritional balance. Occasionally, use color-enhancing foods and freeze-dried options. Stick-on tablets can also add variety and enrichment.

Tank Setup

Loach Catfish are bottom dwellers; therefore, they require a tank setup that caters to their natural behavior. Ensure your aquarium is large enough, with at least 20 liters of water per fish, to provide comfortable swimming space. Maintain a minimum school size of six to encourage social behavior. Decorate the tank with plenty of hiding spots using rocks, caves, and plants to accommodate their moderately territorial nature.

Behavioral Characteristics

Loach Catfish are social creatures and exhibit mostly peaceful behavior. They display moderate territorial behavior, so adequate space and hiding spots are essential. During breeding, they typically do not exhibit changes in aggression levels.

Additional Considerations

The Loach Catfish is an uncommon but popular choice among aquarists due to its moderate affordability. Consider its moderate maintenance requirements before making it a part of your aquatic family. Regular tank cleaning and monitoring of water quality are crucial to ensure a healthy environment for these unique fish.