A long sand-coloured body with an elongated downturned snout that really does look equine, and eyes set high for watching the world from under the substrate. It buries itself and leaves only its face showing.
Temperament
Common health issues
- Ich (white spot)
- Fin rot
- Skin conditions
- Parasites
Care at a glance
- ExerciseLow
A calm, unhurried swimmer โ peaceful surroundings suit them best.
- GroomingRoutine tank care
Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.
- Living spaceNano-tank friendly
Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
- Owner experienceSome experience helps
A little know-how makes life smoother.
- Commitment8โ12 years
Plan for a long, loving relationship.
Health to watch: Ich (white spot) ยท Fin rot ยท Skin conditions
๐ Care guide
The Horseface Loach (Acantopsis dialuzona) comes from sandy-bottomed rivers across Southeast Asia and reaches about 15 to 20 cm. Its long snout is a sand-sifting tool: it takes in mouthfuls of substrate, filters out worms and small invertebrates and expels the sand through the gills, working the bed continuously. Substrate is the entire care question here. It requires a deep bed of soft fine sand, never gravel, in a tank of 200 litres or more with a large floor area, at 24-28C with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, good flow and high oxygen. Feed sinking pellets, wafers, frozen bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp, and watch that it actually gets its share, since it feeds slowly and quietly. It is peaceful and can be kept singly or in a small group, though it spends much of the day buried. It will disturb rooted plants and shallow decor, and as a scaleless loach it needs half-dose medication.
Frequently asked questions
How active is a Horseface Loach?
Low. A calm, unhurried swimmer โ peaceful surroundings suit them best.
How much maintenance does a Horseface Loach need?
Routine tank care. Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.
What tank size does a Horseface Loach need?
Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
Is a Horseface Loach a good fit for first-time owners?
Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.
How long do Horseface Loach live?
8โ12 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.
What health issues affect the Horseface Loach?
Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Skin conditions. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.
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