For me, the species of loaches I keep have a number of advantages over many or most catfish (such as for a bottom dweller):
-More active than most bottom dwelling catfish. Only bottom dwelling catfish I know of that matches them in that regard is the various types of pictus catfish.
-More attractive than most catfish (although this is ultimately 100 percent subjective, it is my view).
-Less aggressive, so more compatible with my favorite peaceful non loaches. Speaking of catfish like red tails, Asian red tails, common plecos, featherfins, black devil, and Asian upside down.
-More complex social hierarchy which is more fun to watch them establish and sort out.
-Safer with smaller fish for their size than many catfish.
Now that is not to say catfish have no appeal, as like I said before I am unabashedly a huge pictus catfish fan. Moreover, since subjectivity means very different opinions all count, there's nothing wrong if one finds what catfish bring to the table more appealing than loaches even with all the above considered.
But still, despite the subjectivity of opinions, I am surprised these factors have not put loaches at the top of more favorite lists.
-More active than most bottom dwelling catfish. Only bottom dwelling catfish I know of that matches them in that regard is the various types of pictus catfish.
-More attractive than most catfish (although this is ultimately 100 percent subjective, it is my view).
-Less aggressive, so more compatible with my favorite peaceful non loaches. Speaking of catfish like red tails, Asian red tails, common plecos, featherfins, black devil, and Asian upside down.
-More complex social hierarchy which is more fun to watch them establish and sort out.
-Safer with smaller fish for their size than many catfish.
Now that is not to say catfish have no appeal, as like I said before I am unabashedly a huge pictus catfish fan. Moreover, since subjectivity means very different opinions all count, there's nothing wrong if one finds what catfish bring to the table more appealing than loaches even with all the above considered.
But still, despite the subjectivity of opinions, I am surprised these factors have not put loaches at the top of more favorite lists.
Last edited:
