My First Loaches!

[Teri]

I've just got 2 loaches, i don't know what kind they are, not clown, kind of "tabby", I haven't put them in my main tank yet, but theykeep trying to bury themselves in the gravel in my small tank. I have quite big stones in the gravel in my main tank, should i put down some sand or something to make them more comfortable? also, they keep digging up the plants in the small tank theyre currently in, is this normal, and if so, how can i protect my plants? the guy in the petshop never mentioned anything about burrowing or vandalising plants

 

[highfire]

Hope you enjoy your loaches, whatever species they are.

I love weather loaches and have four of them. They also love burying themselves in the sand, and also digging around the roots of plants looking for food. I would imagine that other loach species also root around the plants, so I am sure what your loaches are doing is perfectly normal.

As for your substrate - personally I would recommend changing to fine sand to prevent damage to the barbels on your loaches.

As for protecting your plants - well, maybe other members here can help with that , but I will say that although my weather loaches enjoy digging and rooting around them, the plants don't seem to be suffering and most have got very good root systems going.

Good luck and enjoy your loaches!

 

[lljdma06]

I've just got 2 loaches, i don't know what kind they are, not clown, kind of "tabby", I haven't put them in my main tank yet, but theykeep trying to bury themselves in the gravel in my small tank. I have quite big stones in the gravel in my main tank, should i put down some sand or something to make them more comfortable? also, they keep digging up the plants in the small tank theyre currently in, is this normal, and if so, how can i protect my plants? the guy in the petshop never mentioned anything about burrowing or vandalising plants

I know photographing loaches is a hard task, but a picture would help us identify and give you more information.

What size tank do you have?

llj

 

[Teri]

Unfortunately i don't have a digital camera, so I can't supply any photos. they are abt 2 1/2 inches long, and look a bit like leopard/tiger print? (sorry, not being very helpful!) Apparently they're very good at eating snails eggs. My main tank is about 98 litres, but they're in a 20 litre one at the moment, (I know its small, but i read somewhere to keep new fish separate for a couple of weeks to keep an eye out 4 illness?)

 

[sophos9]

My guess is Yoyo loaches...

Good move on keeping them apart! Hope you enjoy your loaches....

 

[Breeze7050]

If they are yoyo loaches they will probably uproot and destroy most of your plants. They seem to get a kick out of it. Kind of annoying and no matter what I try to weigh my plants down with, my yoyos always seem to uproot them. But, they are good at eating snails and eggs. However, they also like to be in a group of at least 3 - maybe getting 1 more will make them feel more comfortable. Make sure you have plenty of hiding spots for them in the aquarium - mine love swimming in and out of driftwood. They also hide most of the day. Best of luck!

 

[Teri]

My guess is Yoyo loaches...

Good move on keeping them apart! Hope you enjoy your loaches....

Thanx 4 the link! That looks like them!!

 

[Teri]

If they are yoyo loaches they will probably uproot and destroy most of your plants. They seem to get a kick out of it. Kind of annoying and no matter what I try to weigh my plants down with, my yoyos always seem to uproot them. But, they are good at eating snails and eggs. However, they also like to be in a group of at least 3 - maybe getting 1 more will make them feel more comfortable. Make sure you have plenty of hiding spots for them in the aquarium - mine love swimming in and out of driftwood. They also hide most of the day. Best of luck!

Thanx. I'll look into getting another one, but these 2 were the last in the shop, so it'll be around a week before i can get anothre one, but i guess they'd be ok if i introduced a stranger to them?

 

[sophos9]

They will be fine...