The horse-faced loach fish, also known as botia caracaballo or banana fish, are fascinating inhabitants of sweet waters located in the Southeast AsiaThese fish belong to the Cobitidae family and stand out for their unique appearance and unique behavior in their natural habitat. Below, we will explore in depth detailed information about their characteristics, habitat, care, feeding and much more.
Habitat and distribution
Horseface loach fish are found in rivers y lagos of crystal clear waters with a high level of oxygenThey prefer environments with gentle or moderate currents and usually inhabit sandy bottoms where they can bury themselves. During the flood season, they move towards flooded crop fields, such as rice paddies, which is common in Southeast Asian countries such as India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and LaosThey also inhabit the basins of major rivers such as the Chao Phraya and Mekong.
Morphological characteristics
Horseface loaches have an elongated, slender body with a prominent head that features a characteristic curved shape, similar to a horse's snout. They lack scales on the head and their eyes are located on the top, protected by a thin membrane transparent which protrudes slightly. These fish reach a length of up to 20 cm in aquariums and to 30 cm in freedom.
The body has a greyish or light brown hue, with dark spots and stripes that allow them to camouflage themselves on the sandy bottom. The ventral part is lighter, while their fins tend to be brown. This coloration gives them an advantage against predators.
Sexual dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism in horseface loaches is not very evident. Females are usually larger and more robust compared to males. Some experts point out that males develop extensions on the first rays of their pectoral fins, but this difference can be difficult to observe.
Behavior and habits
These fish are known for their peaceful behavior and preference for living on the bottom of the aquarium. They like to bury themselves in the substrate, both for protection and to search for food. They are nocturnal o twilight, so they tend to be more active at night or in dim lighting conditions. Although they are calm, they can show mild territoriality with other fish of the same species, especially when they reach their adult stage.
They are not good swimmers in the middle or upper levels of the aquarium, but they will occasionally move around these areas.
Ideal water parameters
To keep horseface loach fish healthy in an aquarium, it is imperative to replicate their natural conditions as much as possible. Consider the following parameters:
- Temperature: Between 25 and 28 °C.
- pH: Between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Hardness: Between 3 and 12 dGH.
The water should be well oxygenated and crystal clear, with frequent changes to prevent the build-up of organic waste. It is also recommended to include a power head or air stones to ensure a constant flow of oxygen.
Aquarium requirements
Due to their size and behavior, horseface loaches require a spacious aquarium, with a minimum volume of 200 litersThe substrate should be soft, preferably fine sand, to allow them to bury themselves without risk of injury. Avoid stones with sharp or abrasive edges.
For the design of the aquarium, it is advisable to include floating plants that filter the light, as well as roots and trunks that offer hiding places. The plants must be well fixed, since these fish tend to dig them up during their foraging activity.
Meals
Horseface loach fish are omnivorous and are characterized by being "sand filters", sucking the substrate and extracting small benthic organisms such as insect larvae, worms and little crustaceansIn captivity, they accept a wide variety of foods:
- Live food, such as Artemia, daphnia and small worms.
- Frozen food, including mosquito larvae.
- Dry food, such as tablets, pellets or flakes that settle to the bottom.
- Plant matter, including some algae.
It is important to offer them a diet varied to cover all their nutritional needs. It is recommended to feed these fish during low light hours, coinciding with their main activity.
Reproduction
To date, successful breeding of horseface loaches in captivity has not been documented. In the wild, they are thought to spawn beneath rocks or similar substrates, but this behavior has not been replicated in home aquariums. All commercially available specimens are usually captured directly from the environment. wild.
Interesting facts about horseface loach fish
- Its common name comes from the elongated and curved shape of its snout, which resembles the face of a horse.
- They are long-lived fish, with a life expectancy that can exceed 15 years in controlled environments.
- They are often confused with other species such as the long-nosed loach (Acantopsis octoactinotus), but can be distinguished by their more curved nose and less aggressive behavior.
These fish are a true wonder for aquarium lovers who want species fascinating and unique. While they do require some specific care, their intriguing behavior and ability to adapt to their environment make them a rewarding addition to any well-maintained community aquarium.