Brown Fork Tail Loach

Vaillantella cinnamomea

Brown Fork Tail Loach is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Keep in a loose group of 5+.

PeacefulBottom dwellerKeep in a loose group of 5+Beginner – Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm)
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6–6.8
GH: 2–8 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6–6.8, GH 2–8 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Brown Fork Tail Loach is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Offer small live or frozen foods regularly; acceptance of dry sinking foods is not guaranteed. Protect filter intakes.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 5+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Indonesia.

Breeding notes

The published 4.78 cm SL measurement is the holotype, not a demonstrated captive adult upper limit. Use a mature sheltered aquarium with small peaceful companions.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Axelrods Corydoras Hoplisoma axelrodi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Bandit Corydoras Hoplisoma metae Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Blackstripe Corydoras Hoplisoma bondi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Araguaia Corydoras Hoplisoma araguaiaense Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Black Diamond Corydoras CW49 Corydoras sp. Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Brown Fork Tail Loach get?

Brown Fork Tail Loach reaches ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm).

Is Brown Fork Tail Loach peaceful?

Yes. Brown Fork Tail Loach is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Brown Fork Tail Loach?

Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.

Should Brown Fork Tail Loach be kept alone or in a group?

Brown Fork Tail Loach: Keep in a loose group of 5+.