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Horseface LoachLong-nosed Loach Family: Cobitidae
Latest Reader Comment - See More I had a horsefaced loach for about a year and a half. He grew to five inches long and was very peaceful. He often burrowed in the rocks and sand, so that only his... (more) Vicki 2008-05-01 The Horseface Loach is also sometimes offered as a "Long-nosed Loach" and vice-versa. In actuality, the Long-nosed Loach is a different species, Acantopsis octoactinotos. The two species resemble each other but the Long-nosed Loach is more aggressive (will eat smaller fish like neon tetras and Zebra Danios) and is not a burrower. The Long-nosed Loach also does not have the characteristic downturn on its snout. The Horseface Loach enjoys burrowing and should be provided a rounded sand or fine gravel substrate. They will sift the sand through their gills in search of microorganisms or other food. They have a quiet disposition and make a great community fish.The Horsefacel Loach or Long-nosed Loach is an elongated, flat bellied fish. The snout is characteristically long and bends downward about halfway between the eyes and nose. It strongly resembles a horse! (go figure) The eyes are perched near the top of the head, and slightly protrude from the head. The back and sides of the fish are light brown with various spots and stripes. The lower parts of the fish are white while the fins are brownish.. . They are generally quite peaceful but they will defend a territory against members of their own species. It is best to keep single fish with other community fish. For more Information on keeping this fish see:
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| Geographic Distribution Acantopsis choirorhynchos |
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| Data provided by FishBase.org |
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Cypriniformes
- Family: Cobitidae
Since they are omnivorous, the Horseface Loach or Long-nosed Loach will generally eat all kinds of live foods. They like tablets and frozen foods as well, but flake foods are not suggested. Feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen), mosquito larvae, tubifex, daphnia, and some vegetable foods such as algae wafers.
Smaller horseface loaches do fine in a medium sized aquarium (20 gallons or so) with lots of plants and places for retreat such as rocks, caves, and roots. A full grown loach, up to 8 inches, needs a larger 35-45 gallon aquarium. Also use subdued lighting. They do best in soft, slightly acidic water with frequent water changes of about 10% a week. Because they are burrowers, the substrate needs to be a fine gravel or sand that does not have sharp edges. Be sure to provide hardy plants with the roots protected and have decorations firmly placed on the glass bottom so they don't fall over. Plastic tubes also make safe and excellent hiding places.
Distribution:
The Horseface Loach or Long-nosed Loach is found in rapid
and slow moving rivers with a sandy or rocky substrate. Geographically
they are found in Southeast Asia; Borneo, Burma (Myanmar),
Java, Malaysia,
Sumatra, Thailand,
and Vietnam.
Size - Weight:
These fish can get up to 8.0 inches (20 cm), they are usually
smaller in the aquarium. A 35-45 gallon aquarium is recommened for full
grown, 8 inch, horseface loaches
Social Behaviors:
A good community fish. They are territorial towards members
of their own species. A nocturnal fish, the horseface loach wil usually
hide during the day, but are lively and active in the evening.
Sexual Differences:
Full grown females will be rounder.
Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
These fish are mostly bottom dwellers, but will occasionally
swim in the middle or upper parts of the aquarium.
Acceptable Water Conditions:
Hardness: soft water is preferred from 1-10° dH
Ph: 6.0 - 7.0
Temp: 79-84° F (26-29° C)
Breeding/Reproduction:
Not much is known about the breeding habits of the Horseface
of Long-nosed Loach and they are not yet bred commercially.
Availability:
The Horseface Loach or Long-nosed Loach is usually available.
| Latest Comments |
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| I had a horsefaced loach for about a year and a half. He grew to five inches long and was very peaceful. He often burrowed in the rocks and sand, so that only his head stuck out - trying to spot him became a bit of a game. Not nearly as active as dojo and weather loaches, and somewhat more shy. This is one of my favorite fish, due to their unique appearance, strange eating habits, peaceful nature, and the way they burrow. My horseface loach readily accepted sinking algae pellets. Unfortunately, he died soon after I added some additional aquarium gravel to my tank. I think the rocks may have leeched some minerals into the water, as the change also affected my shrimp, although my other loaches were fine.
2008-05-01 |
| I have 3 horse face loaches all about 3 - 4 inches long. They get on really well & follow each other round. I also have guppies & angels in this 4 foot tank. The loaches come out occasionally during the day but are more active during the early evening. They are great to watch. Two of the guppies were having a tug of war with one, trying to take the food out of its mouth. It wasn`t too bothered, the guppies only managed to get a bit off him.
2007-10-28 |
| I love watching my Horsefaced Loach make his way around the tank wiggling and burrowing his flexible nose around every individual piece of gravel looking for food. I am on the search to find out more about his unique eyes. He seems to "blink". He is definitely a great community fish as he is pretty much a loner.
2007-09-04 |
| These fish are awesome! I own one 4" horseface loach and he's probably my favorite fish in the entire 65 gal tank. He definitely has a whole lot of character, and I laugh every time i see him sifting sand into his mouth and out his gills. such a funny and unique way to eat.
2007-02-17 |
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