sand loach

The sand loach, scientific name Lepidocephalichthys thermalis, belongs to the Cobitidae (Loach) family. The fish is native to South Asia. It is found in the southern states of India and the island of Sri Lanka. Inhabits the upper reaches of rivers with clean running water and sandy substrates. Some wild populations have also been found in the lowlands in murky waters.

The natural habitat changes with the seasons. During the drought period, small rivers dry up. The water level drops, backwaters form along the banks, which are very warm in the sun. In some cases, the temperature in them exceeds 32–33°C, which is accompanied by algal blooms. The fish have successfully adapted to life in such an unfavorable environment and can exist in it for some time, before the arrival of the monsoons.

Description

Adults reach a length of up to 5 cm. The fish have an elongated body with short fins. The color is light gray, sandy in color with many dark or brownish specks.

Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed. It is noted that males are somewhat smaller in size and have fused 7th and 8th rays in the pectoral fins. Females appear larger with a heavier body.

Behavior and Compatibility

They are distinguished by a peaceful disposition towards relatives and other species. However, on occasion they can eat fry and eggs. They prefer to be in groups, for this reason it is recommended to purchase a flock of 4 fish.

Good neighbors in the aquarium will be small cyprinids, adapted to a moderate current, Gastromizons, Shistura. In spacious tanks, they can get along with some goby fish, for example, the Taiwan Goby.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 40 liters.
• Temperature – 20-25°C (short-term increase up to 30°C is acceptable)
• Value pH — 6.0–7.0
• Water hardness – soft to medium hard (2-15 dGH)
• Substrate type – sandy
• Lighting – moderate
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – moderate or strong
• The size of the fish is about 5 cm.
• Food – any food
• Temperament – peaceful

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The optimal size of the aquarium for 4-5 fish starts from 40 liters. It is advisable to choose the design in such a way that it resembles the bottom of a fast stream. The basis of the interior decor will be sandy soil with some large smooth stones and natural snags. Unlike many loaches, the Sand Loach does not harm plants and they can be used in an aquarium. It is recommended to use unpretentious species such as Anubias and numerous aquatic mosses and ferns.

Considered a hardy fish. It is not demanding on the conditions of detention, if they are in the acceptable range of pH and GH values. Resistant to the accumulation of organic waste.

Despite its unpretentiousness, you should not neglect the regular maintenance of the aquarium and at least replace part of the water (30–50% of the volume) with fresh water once a week. In order to maintain high water quality and create an internal flow that mimics the flows of a mountain stream, a powerful internal filter can be installed.

Food

In nature, it feeds on insect larvae, small crustaceans and other invertebrates. The aquarium will accept most popular foods in dry, frozen and live form.