Oct 21
Members of this family are bottom-dwelling fishes, and may be recognized as such by their flat ventral profile and underslung mouths, complete with barbels. In the aquarium, Loaches may be nocturnal, although some soon lose their shyness and venture around the tank during its illuminated periods. The fishes often make hiding places themselves by burrowing under rocks or into a tangle of aquarium plants. Most prefer to live in a community rather than as solitary specimens. The majority of Loaches have erectile spines, a defence weapon mainly, and these may catch in the aquarist’s net. There are many varieties to choose from, each with a differing colour pattern or body form, but they are all difficult to catch with a net. (more…)
