Loaches

Loaches are a truly unusual group of fish, from the strange looks of the Kuhli Loach to confusing behaviour of the Clown Loach. These fish keep us watching and make a fascinating addition to the aquarium.

They are bottom-dwelling fish which means they like spending most of their time at the bottom of the aquarium. Other bottom-dwelling fish include Catfish. I have always found loaches more active and playful than Catfish, although Catfish are nocturnal so they are most active when everyone else is fast asleep.

They are social creatures who like to be kept in groups. If you keep a group you are likely to see them playfully casing each other around the tank. However certain species can also be very aggressive to other fish, so its advisable to research the species you are think of buying before adding it to your community aquarium.

Most loaches prefer their water slightly on the acidic side. In the wild they tend to live in fast moving waters, this means they are used to water with plenty of oxygen in it. They are also highly sensitive to any changes in water’s ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels.

They are not fussy eaters and will accept most food. Some loaches such as the Clown Loach will eat snails, but will tend to leave the large harder to eat snails.

They display some interesting and unusual behaviour and habits. The Kuhli Loach likes to burrow in the aquarium substrate, while the Clown Loach plays dead and makes clicking sounds.

Clown Loach
Kuhli Loach

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