Spotted Loach

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Lepidocephalichthys thermalis
• Common Name: Spotted Loach
• Adult Size: Approximately 5 to 7 cm (2 to 2.8 inches)
• Life Expectancy: Around 5 to 8 years with proper care
• Habitat: Native to South and Southeast Asia, particularly in India and Sri Lanka. Found in slow-moving streams, rice paddies, and shallow bodies of water with sandy or muddy substrates and lots of vegetation.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for a small group
• Ideal Temperature: 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F)
• pH Range: 6.5 to 7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (3 to 12 dGH)
• Temperament: Peaceful and shy, best kept in groups of 4 or more to reduce stress and bring out natural behavior.

Diet & Nutrition

Omnivorous – Will accept a variety of foods including:

• Sinking pellets or wafers
• Frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
• Vegetables (e.g., blanched zucchini, spinach)

• Will also help clean up leftover food at the tank bottom

Breeding & Spawning

• Breeding in home aquariums is rare and not well-documented. Likely egg scatterers. Conditioning with high-protein foods and simulating seasonal changes (temperature and water level) may encourage spawning.

Appearance

Distinctive Features:

• Small, slender body with brown/tan base coloration and dark irregular spots or blotches
• Barbels around the mouth for foraging
• Transparent fins with subtle markings
• A good camouflage fish due to its speckled appearance