Horse Faced Loach

[dnn3]

we bought a horse faced loach a week ago and we haven't seen since about a minute after we put him in.our tank does have adequate hiding places.should i be worried?

 

[shelaghfishface]

why not google horse face loach, maybe they like to be in groups, he could be very shy,or there maybe something wrong, im sure someone with more experience will be along soon to help you out,
good luck tho

 

[fergalthefish]

a horse faced loach!!! LOL what an unfortunate name for a fish LOL i must look that up just to see if it really has a face like a horse !!!

 

[dnn3]

honestly he does.that's what attracted him to us.

 

[Rubix]

Yes Horse-faced loaches (Acantopsis choirorhynchus) have heads similiar to that of a horse You mentioned you haven't seen it since you got it. This is normal of these loaches; they spend most of their time burrowed into the substrate (sand is preferred) often with their heads protruding. I wouldn't be worried about it. You may see it more often once it gets completely comfortable with its new home, although as they mature they become more timid.

 

[loachman]

It is common for loaches to hide, especially in tight spaces.

Horseface loaches will readily hide under the substrate, it is not odd at all for them to vanish for days.

 

[papasmurf123]

It is common for loaches to hide, especially in tight spaces.

Horseface loaches will readily hide under the substrate, it is not odd at all for them to vanish for days.

i didnt c mine for about 3 weeks


Rob

 

[Complete_Control]

It is common for loaches to hide, especially in tight spaces.

Horseface loaches will readily hide under the substrate, it is not odd at all for them to vanish for days.

i didnt c mine for about 3 weeks


Rob

Don't worry about it, loach that are kept on their own are shy and reclusive. He'll almost certainly come out at night time or when there's nobody around. If he had died, you would have noticed your tank being visibly poluted.

I possitive he'll be fine, hiding away in some place or other. Maybe get him some friends if you want to see him more. Or surprise him with a torch at like 3 am! He'll be happy werever he is.

When i drained my tank for a house move i found a fish i had bought almost a year ago and had forgotten all about, turns out he was nocturnal and hid during the day.

 

[MermaidMel]

I've got 3, had them 3wks now and see them the whole time, only for a few seconds at the weekend did one bury himself in sand.

 

[Eyebiter]

I have three in a 125g with a sandy bottom. I see two all the time. i wouldn't say they school but they're usually around each other. The third one I just got and he's tiny. I have to look at the sand super close to spot his head sticking out. I've had friends that have bought these and only see them at feeding time. I don't know if it's the sand that makes them feel comfortable or the busy tank - i have lots of barbs, rasboras, and tetras - but they're out. I'm assuming the little guy will be out when he grows a little more. They're great fish. However, I do have two kuhli loachs that I only see from time to time.

 

[Rubix]

However, I do have two kuhli loachs that I only see from time to time.

Sounds like you need a few more, khulis are usually active and quite entertaining.

 

[dnn3]

what fish would be ideal tankmates for him?

 

[dnn3]

4 weeks and counting. oh well, going to the lfs tomorrow so i'll get something i can see all the time or at least one i can find when he's dead.

 

[dnn3]

he's alive. i finally saw him last night. what a relief.