Horseface Loach

Horseface Loach Care Guide

The Horseface Loach is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish known for its elongated “horse-like” snout and burrowing behavior. It’s a shy yet interesting addition to a well-maintained aquarium and is best kept by intermediate aquarists due to its specific needs.

Quick Overview

• Common Name: Horseface Loach

• Scientific Name: Acantopsis rungthipae

• Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia)

• Size: Up to 6–8 inches (15–20 cm)

• Lifespan: 8–12 years with proper care

• Temperament: Peaceful, shy, bottom-dweller

• Activity: Primarily nocturnal

Tank Requirements

Water Parameters

Regular water changes (25–30% weekly) are essential.

️ Diet

Horseface Loaches are omnivores and scavengers but prefer protein-rich diets.

• Staples: Sinking carnivore pellets, bottom-feeder wafers

• Live/Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp

• Occasional: Daphnia, tubifex, crushed snails

• Feeding Time: Late evening or night when they’re most active

Behavior & Tank Mates

• Often burrow in sand with only their eyes exposed

• Shy and secretive, especially during the day

• Non-aggressive; may be outcompeted by fast eaters

Good tank mates:

• Peaceful mid- and top-dwellers like tetras, rasboras

• Other loaches (Kuhli, Yo-yo, etc., in large enough tanks)

• Corydoras (if enough bottom space)

• Gouramis, dwarf cichlids

Avoid:

• Aggressive or territorial fish

• Fin-nippers and fast eaters that hog food

• Bare-bottom tanks (they need sand to thrive)

Breeding

• Sexual differences are unclear; little breeding info is available

✅ Summary