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Guntea Loach
Lepidocephalichthys guntea
📍 Southeast Asia
The Guntea Loach is a small, peaceful bottom-dwelling fish native to South Asian freshwater systems. These loaches are excellent scavengers and spend most of their time sifting through substrate in search of food. They are best kept in small groups and thrive in well-planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots.
Care Guide
Diet
Guntea Loaches are omnivorous bottom feeders that consume small invertebrates, algae, and detritus. Feed sinking pellets, algae wafers, and occasional live foods such as bloodworms or daphnia 2-3 times weekly. They will also graze on biofilm and leftover food in the substrate.
Behavior
These loaches are nocturnal and most active during evening hours, spending their time burrowing and sifting through the substrate. They are peaceful and social, preferring to be kept in small groups of 3 or more where they exhibit natural schooling behavior. They rarely venture into open water and are best observed with subdued lighting.
Breeding
Breeding Guntea Loaches in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely documented in the aquarium hobby. They require specific environmental triggers and spawning conditions that are challenging to replicate. Most specimens available in the trade are wild-caught or farm-raised.
Tank Mates
Small peaceful fish that occupy different water zones
Similar peaceful bottom-dwelling behavior and feeding habits
Peaceful mid-water dweller that won't compete for bottom space
Compatible bottom feeder with similar peaceful temperament
Small schooling fish that occupy upper water column
Peaceful invertebrate that shares bottom-dwelling habitat
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase water temperature to 28-30°C (82-86°F), perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt or commercial ich treatment, ensure adequate aeration
Bacterial Infection
Fin rot, body sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, behavioral changes
Perform frequent water changes, improve water quality, use antibiotic medications if severe, isolate affected fish if possible
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, weight loss, visible parasites, clamped fins, lethargy
Use antiparasitic medications, perform water changes, improve tank conditions, quarantine if necessary
Fin Rot
Deterioration of fin edges, discoloration, fraying appearance, reduced activity
Improve water quality with frequent changes, use antifungal or antibacterial treatments, ensure proper nutrition and tank conditions
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - feeds on small invertebrates, algae wafers, and sinking pellets
- lifespan
- 5-8 years
- max size
- 4 cm (1.5 in)
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)