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Zodiac Loach
Mesonoemacheilus triangularis
📍 Southeast Asia
The Zodiac Loach is a small, bottom-dwelling loach from Southeast Asia known for its distinctive triangular body shape and peaceful demeanor. These active scavengers are excellent for community tanks and spend most of their time foraging along the substrate. They are hardy fish that adapt well to various water conditions, making them suitable for intermediate aquarists.
Care Guide
Diet
Zodiac Loaches are omnivorous bottom feeders that consume algae wafers, sinking pellets, and small live foods such as bloodworms and daphnia. Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, ensuring food reaches the bottom of the tank. Supplement with blanched vegetables like zucchini occasionally.
Behavior
These loaches are nocturnal and crepuscular, becoming most active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours. They are social fish that should be kept in groups of at least three, displaying interesting interactions and reduced stress. They spend most of their time on the substrate searching for food and exploring hiding spots.
Breeding
Breeding Zodiac Loaches in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require very specific water conditions and triggers that are difficult to replicate. Professional breeders occasionally succeed with heavily planted tanks and careful conditioning, but most aquarium specimens are wild-caught or farm-raised.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful fish that occupy different water zones
Similar bottom-dwelling habits and peaceful temperament
Compatible bottom feeders with similar care requirements
Peaceful mid-water dweller that won't compete for bottom space
Schooling fish that occupy middle water column peacefully
Nocturnal bottom dweller with compatible temperament
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), use ich medication, perform water changes, ensure good filtration
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, use antibacterial medication, remove sharp decorations
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, color fading
Quarantine affected fish, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, maintain pristine water conditions
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, weight loss, visible parasites, clamped fins
Use anti-parasitic medication, perform partial water changes, quarantine if necessary, improve tank hygiene
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - feeds on algae wafers, sinking pellets, and small invertebrates
- lifespan
- 5-8 years
- max size
- 7.5 cm (3 in)
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 5-12 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)