Moose Head Loach

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Stunter2b

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 29, 2008
27
0
0
Shreveport Louisiana
I went to my lfs and seen they had some Moose Head Loaches.

I tired to get some info on them but can't seem to find much on them, I was thinking about buying him but want to know if he would be okay in my tank..
 
Okay after finding its real name I was able to find some info on them..

Guess this fish is not for me:-)

Care: A very difficult species to maintain in the home aquarium. The tank should be well matured and have an established fine sandy substrate in order for this species to burrow and consume some of the microscopic critters (planaria etc) within. This species is quite skittish and will need a fair depth of sand in order to immerse itself completely when startled. They do not tolerate hard water, indeed, this species requires very soft and slightly acidic water - without this, they will not fare well. Moosefaced loaches do not appreciate bright lighting and are considered to be nocturnal; the use of a blue moon light tube may aid in observing their natural behaviour. More than one specimen can be kept in the same aquarium, and if at all possible, they should be kept in groups of at least 3 as they do seem to have some social needs. Tankmates, if desired, should be small and of a peaceful disposition. Moosefaced loaches are accomplished jumpers, so a tight fitting hood should be fitted to their aquarium.

Feeding: Moosefaced loaches find the majority of their food by sifting through the substrate. For this reason, it is important that they are only added to well established set-ups with a what could be described as a 'live' sand substrate. Once over the difficult period of acclimatisation (when it can be very difficult to get them to start feeding again), several aquarists have had eventual success with getting their Moosefaced Loaches to take small frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brineshrimp. Once firmly establihed they will even high quality flake food that has drifted down to the surface of the sand. They do not compete for food well, which is a good reason to keep them in a species-only aquarium.


Water parameters: pH: 6.0- 7.0 Hardness: Very soft Max dh: 6

Temperature: 68ºF to 72ºF (18-22°C)

Breeding: This species has not been bred in captivity.
 
Not many of us have managed to try them sadly.
 
Seems like quite a challenge.
 
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