Talk To Me About Zodiac Loaches

[Aoibhell]

It's so hard to find info on these guys. I have 3. 1 is much larger than the other 2, though they were all about the same size when I first got them (about 3 months ago). Could this mean that one is female while the other 2 are male? I assume the smaller 2 are male because of the behavior they display: they will sometimes swim side by side and rub against each other. Their mouths almost look like they are vibrating, and sometimes, the more colorful of the 2 will almost "mount" the other, as if to display alpha behavior.

What else can you tell me about these guys? I've come to learn that they are one of very few loach species that should be kept as singles, but my 3 seem to be ok- 2 (the large one and less colorful one) live together in a rock cave (I call it the loach den), while the colorful one has taken residence in a driftwood cave.

How can I keep these guys happy?

 

[thereverendturtle]

Here is a link with lots of info...
http/www.seriouslyfish.com/species/mesonoemacheilus-triangularis/

 

[Aoibhell]

Thanks for the link.

i'm looking for firsthand experience, though, as most of the info out there is very conflicting (e.g: better kept as singles or groups? maximum size? temp preferences? coloring? etc.).

 

[thereverendturtle]

Yeah sorry. Only time I ever kept them was in a sales tank at the lfs I worked at. Not the ideal first hand experience, when having to take care of 6,000 gallons of fish.