How difficult is it to keep Horseface loach?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Horseface loach?

The ideal temperature for Horseface loach is 25〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Horseface loach get?

Horseface loach typically reaches Up to 25 cm SL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Horseface loach?

Horseface loach feeds on: Mainly carnivorous (sinking prepared foods, frozen and live foods). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Horseface loach?

The price of Horseface loach varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Horseface loach

Intermediate

Acantopsis dialuzona

A slender loach from sandy Southeast Asian rivers, named for its long, horse-like snout. It often buries itself with only its eyes showing and can exceed 20 cm.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

25〜28℃

Size

Up to 25 cm SL

Diet

Mainly carnivorous (sinking prepared foods, frozen and live foods)

About

The horseface loach, Acantopsis dialuzona, is a cobitid found in Java, Borneo, Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula north to southern Thailand (FishBase). The long-used trade name Acantopsis choirorhynchos is treated by GBIF as a synonym of this species. It reaches 25 cm SL. It lives over sand or fine gravel in clear, fast rivers, sifting mouthfuls of substrate through its gills for insect larvae and small crustaceans. It spends much time buried with only its eyes showing, so a soft sand bottom is essential. The taxonomy of Acantopsis is poorly studied, and fish in the trade may include more than one species, some undescribed. Juveniles are exported in large numbers, and when kept properly the fish is hardy and long-lived. Juveniles are regularly seen in Japanese aquarium shops.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Horseface loach

The Horseface loach grows to Up to 25 cm SL.

Temperature & humidity for the Horseface loach

The ideal temperature for the Horseface loach is 25〜28℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Southeast Asia (Java, Borneo, Sumatra, Malay Peninsula to southern Thailand)

Size

Up to 25 cm SL

Temperature

25〜28℃

Diet

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Acantopsis dialuzona Van Hasselt, 1823

Synonyms: Acanthopsis biaculeata Rüppell, 1852, Acanthopsis choerorhynchus (Bleeker, 1854), Acanthopsis choirorhynchos (Bleeker, 1854), Acanthopsis choirorhynchus (Bleeker, 1854), Acantopsis biaculeata Rüppell, 1852, Acantopsis choirorhynchos (Bleeker, 1854), Cobitis choirorhynchos Bleeker, 1854, Cobitis macrorhynchos Bleeker, 1854

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act, nor on the Ministry of the Environment's list of invasive alien species. Never release aquarium fish into the wild.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.