Stone Loach

Barbatula barbatula

Stone Loach is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish.

PeacefulBottom dwellerBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 20 cm (≤ 7.9 in)
Aquarium size
100 L or larger / ≥ 80 cm (≥ 31.5 in) minimum length
Care level
Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Bottom dweller
Temperature
2–20 °C
pH
6.5–8
GH
5–15 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 100 L or larger / ≥ 80 cm (≥ 31.5 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 2–20 °C, pH 6.5–8, GH 5–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Stone 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

As an omnivore, Stone Loach should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: United Kingdom.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 100 L or larger / ≥ 80 cm (≥ 31.5 in) minimum length.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Similar fish profiles

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

Barito Loach Kapuasia falaris Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 22–26 °C Annie’s Goby Stiphodon annieae Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3 cm (≤ 1.2 in) 18–24 °C Asian Bumblebee Catfish Pseudomystus siamensis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 15 cm (≤ 5.9 in) 20–26 °C Banded Hillstream Loach Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 7.5 cm (≤ 3 in) 18–24 °C Bandit Corydoras Corydoras metae Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 20–26 °C Bar Cheek Goby Rhinogobius giurinus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 9 cm (≤ 3.5 in) 18–24 °C

FAQ

How large does Stone Loach get?

Stone Loach reaches ≤ 20 cm (≤ 7.9 in). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.

What aquarium size does Stone Loach need?

Use an aquarium of at least 100 L or larger / ≥ 80 cm (≥ 31.5 in) minimum length.

Is Stone Loach peaceful?

Yes. Stone 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 Stone Loach?

Keep it between 2 to 20 °C.

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