Collection: Loaches
Loaches make up a group of largely bottom-dwelling fish from the families Balitoridae, Botiidae, Cobitidae, Gastromyzontidae, Nemacheilidae, Serpenticobitidae and Vaillantellidae. Few aquarium fish exhibit the level of personality that many loach species are known for and many aquarists frequently interact with their loach pets. Loaches are found throughout most of Asia, from tropical to temperate zones and range in size from under 2” to nearly a foot long.
Loaches occur in rivers, as well as a variety of slow and swift moving streams, depending on species. The bottom is frequently strewn with gravel, pebbles and smooth boulders, but sandy areas are also present. In most habitats plants are scarce to non-existent.
Loaches come from a variety of water conditions, but most will thrive in the average aquarium. The pH level should be maintained between 6.0 and 8.0, with alkalinity between 3° and 10° dKH (50 to 175 ppm). All loaches require clean, well oxygenated water with moderate to strong flow. Temperature requirements vary depending on species.
Loaches are gregarious, and if possible, should be purchased in groups of 6 or more. With so many species to choose from, no matter what size aquarium or type of fish you own there is one just right for you. Most loaches are quite peaceful and do well in community tanks, however, some members of the family Botiidae can become boisterous and may go after smaller or slower moving fish. These species are best kept with larger, more active fish.
While most loaches will accept a wide variety of foods, special consideration should be given to those species that come from fast moving water, such as the Hill Stream loaches. Many of these fish feed on algae, cyanobacteria and other micro-organisms that colonize rocks on the bottom. These fish should only be placed in mature aquariums with plenty of appropriate rockwork.
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KUHLI LOACH (Pangio semicincta) 2403
Regular price $5.49 CADRegular priceUnit price / per -
OTOCINCLUS (otocinclus Vestitus) 1-1.5" TA2407
Regular price $7.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / per -
HILLSTREAM LOACH (Gastromyzon Punctulatus) 2404
Regular price $14.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / perSold out -
CLOWN LOACH (Chromobotia macracanthus) 2-2.75" DI2403
Regular price $26.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / per -
TRUE SIAMENSIS (Crossocheilus oblongus) 2404
Regular price $7.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / per -
YOYO LOACH (Botia almorhae) 1.5-2" A2405T
Regular price $12.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / per -
JAVA LOACH (Pangio Javanicus) 2403
Regular price $5.49 CADRegular priceUnit price / per -
GARRA PANDA (Garra flavatra) 2402
Regular price $19.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / per$19.99 CADSale price $19.99 CAD -
RAINBOW SHARK (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum)
Regular price $8.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / per -
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POLKADOT LOACH (Botia kubotai)
Regular price $14.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / perSold out -
RED TAIL BLACK SHARK (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) 2404
Regular price $8.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / perSold out -
RAINBOW SHARK *ALBINO* (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum)
Regular price $8.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / per -
GARRA RUFA (Garra Rufa) "Doctor Fish"
Regular price $14.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / per -
HORSE-FACE LOACH (Acantopsis choirorhynchos()
Regular price $14.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / per -
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SKUNK LOACH (Yasuhikotakia morleti)
Regular price $9.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / perSold out -
BORNEO HILLSTREAM LOACH (Pseudogastromyzon myersi) 2403
Regular price $14.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / perSold out -
CLOWN LOACH (Chromobotia macracanthus) 3-3.75" D2403Y
Regular price $39.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / per -
GLO RAINBOW SHARK *SUNBURST ORANGE* (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum) (Copy)
Regular price $24.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / perSold out -
GLO RAINBOW SHARK *GALACTIC PURPLE* (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum)
Regular price $24.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / perSold out -
GLO RAINBOW SHARK *COSMIC BLUE* (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum)
Regular price $24.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / perSold out -
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ZEBRA LOACH (Botia striata)
Regular price $14.99 CADRegular priceUnit price / perSold out