These fish do poorly in bowls or vases and will fall ill and die within a matter of weeks due to stress. If you keep a species of loach that grows over 12 inches, a tank bigger than 200 gallons is ideal. Tank/aquarium size: Small loaches under 6 inches should be in a tank no less than 40 gallons. How to Take Care of Loaches Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup Below is a summary of the main loaches found in pet stores. If you decide to keep a large variety of loach, you should keep them in an extremely large tank of over 300 gallons. This is because loaches are not usually kept in large enough tanks in captivity. Although 16 inches is usually a maximum for large captive loach varieties. Some loaches can grow up to 1 inch if they are the smaller varieties, whereas others can grow to a maximum of 20 inches. They have an eel-like body which makes them stand out more than other aquarium fish. The superfamily name Cobitidae is derived from the term Aristotle which refers to small fish that bury under the substrate. Since they are bottom dwellers, they rely on these barbels to locate food that is hidden in the substrate. Alongside their barbs, they also have barbels at the base of their head. This is an exceptional amount for a captive fish. Surprisingly, there are over 1200 species in the Cobitoidea family. They will have barbs below their mouth that they use for defense purposes. Image Credit: Joan Carles Jaurez, Shutterstock They will burrow under the substrate to both hides and to find food. An interesting behavior that loaches seem to do is dig. These fish are exceptionally curious and appreciate crevices and caves in their tank. They will be hiding and seeking shelter under plants, in caves, or under pieces of wood. You may find them very inactive during the day. You can purchase several loaches for a tank, but you will not see the group or form shoals. They are not schooling fish but do appreciate some of their companions. These fish are most active at night and will display a foraging behavior when food is introduced into the tank. Online suppliers generally sell quality loaches at $5 to $8. The shipping may be too much for them to handle and they will arrive at you in poor condition. The same problem arises if you choose to purchase online from a breeder. When their immune system is low from stress, they will develop a multitude of illnesses before you even get to enjoy your new fish friend. It is best to avoid wild-caught loaches, because of their high stress with transportation. The price can vary depending on the type of loach you choose to buy as well as the size, color, and rarity of the fish. You can expect to pay between $3 to $5 for one loach at a pet store. Image Credit: Nantawat, Shutterstock How Much Do Loaches Cost? A well-cared-for loach can live longer than a loach kept in poor conditions under constant stress. Loaches have a lifespan ranging from 10 to 12 years. Loaches can easily be confused with Pangio cuneovirgata, Pangio myseri or even Pangio semicincta. This can be done by asking for the scientific name of the loach. Since there are so many different types of loach, you should double-check with the supplier if the species you are buying is the correct one for your needs. There are over 1,000 different species in the aquarium trade, with many available for life in captivity. When combined with their susceptibility to illness and their sensitivity to medications, it is a difficult task to successfully treat them. They lack scales on their head which makes them sensitive to most medications. This is because some can get quite large, with the flower loach reaching a whopping 20 inches! They are prone to a variety of diseases that do not usually affect other fish in the same situation. They are omnivores who will scavenge along the floor of the aquarium in search of food.ĭespite their small size, they require a large tank. We recommended loaches to be cared for by an intermediate or advanced aquarist who has an established tank. They are not good beginner fish because of the experience and knowledge level required to keep them healthy. They are shy and peaceful (except for the semi-aggressive clown loach). This is when they will be most energetic and scavenge for food around the tank. These fish are nocturnal and will be most active at night when the tank lights have been switched off. Loaches are peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish that help keep your aquarium clean.
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