Zodiac Loach

Zodiac LoachLoach Zodiac Discover a playful companion in the Loach Zodiac. With its origins in the scenic Mundakayam in Kerala, this lovable fish thrives in the Western Ghats and navigates local river systems with ease. Perfect for those looking for a quirky addition to their aquarium. (Not just for zodiac signs!) Habitat: Dwells in fresh, oxygen rich streams and small rivers. These waterways are often sheltered by lush forests and have a bed covered in coarse

Loach Zodiac

Discover a playful companion in the Loach Zodiac. With its origins in the scenic Mundakayam in Kerala, this lovable fish thrives in the Western Ghats and navigates local river systems with ease. Perfect for those looking for a quirky addition to their aquarium. (Not just for zodiac signs!)

Habitat:

Dwells in fresh, oxygen-rich streams and small rivers. These waterways are often sheltered by lush forests and have a bed covered in coarse sand, gravel, and algae, along with other tiny organisms and debris. Although there are no aquatic plants typically found here, a few sightings of Lagenandra and Blyxa species have been reported in lower elevation areas. Flow rate and turbidity can vary with the seasons, especially during the monsoon months of June to September. In the Panniyar River basin in Kerala, it was encountered alongside other fish species such as Haludaria fasciata, Tor khudree, Barilius bakeri, Devario aequipinnatus, Rasbora daniconius, Garra mcclellandi, Homaloptera santhamparaiensis, the related Mesonoemacheilus guentheri, and a Glyptothorax sp. during a study.

Maximum Standard Length

5 – 6 cm.

Maintenance: 

Easy to care for in the right conditions; we highly suggest placing it in a tank that mimics a natural stream or river, complete with a mix of rocks, sand, gravel, and some large, smooth boulders. Adding in some driftwood branches can create a fun and interesting environment, with plenty of hiding spots for your loaches.

Water conditions:

Temperature: 18 – 25.5 °C

pH: 6.0 – 7.5

Hardness: 36 – 215 ppm

Diet: 

In the aquarium they will accept dried foods of a suitable size but should not be fed these exclusively.

Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia, bloodworm, etc. will result in the best colouration and condition.

Behaviour and Compatibility

Some aquarists have claimed that this species can have conflicting personalities when kept in captivity, with some reporting it to be a peaceful creature while others claim it can be quite territorial and aggressive. This breed usually gets along with others and seems to enjoy being kept in a pack.