Loaches

Loaches are bottom-dwelling fish full of character. Some dig in the sand, some hide in caves during the day, and some, like hillstream loaches, cling to rocks in fast water. Almost all of them are social and should be kept in groups.

• Kuhli loach: eel-shaped, shy and peaceful. Keep 6 or more in a tank with soft sand and hiding places, and you will see them far more often.
• Clown loach: famous for eating snails, but it grows to around 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) and lives for decades. A group needs a very large tank, so it is not a solution for a snail problem in a small aquarium.
• Yoyo and dwarf chain loaches: active, snail-eating loaches for medium tanks; dwarf chain loaches are the best option for smaller setups.
• Dojo (weather loach): a coolwater species that grows long; check local rules, as it is restricted in some places.
• Hillstream loaches: need cool, highly oxygenated water and strong current.

Loaches have scaleless or small-scaled skin, so they are sensitive to some medications; dose carefully. Most snail-eating species will also eat ornamental snails and sometimes shrimp, so plan your invertebrates accordingly. Feed sinking foods so they do not depend on leftovers.

Loaches