Horseface Loach

Acantopsis dialuzona

Horseface Loach is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerSolitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional contextIntermediate

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Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm)
Aquarium size: 66 US gal (250 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 1–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 12 years
Group behavior: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 12 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 66 US gal (250 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 6–8, GH 1–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Horseface Loach is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Provide food that reaches the soft substrate; sinking foods supplemented with small live or frozen invertebrates.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 66 US gal (250 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: India, Indonesia.

Similar fish profiles

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

Blue Eyed Congo Tetra Phenacogrammus aurantiacus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Blue Neon Cichlid Paracyprichromis nigripinnis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Blueberry Tetra Hyphessobrycon wadai Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°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) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.8" (≤ 9.7 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Arulius Barb Dawkinsia tambraparniei Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C)

FAQ

How large does Horseface Loach get?

Horseface Loach reaches ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.

What aquarium size does Horseface Loach need?

Use an aquarium of at least 66 US gal (250 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Horseface Loach peaceful?

Yes. Horseface 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 Horseface Loach?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.

Should Horseface Loach be kept alone or in a group?

Horseface Loach: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.