Care
The Galaxy Loach is known from the Nilgiri Hills in western Tamil Nadu state, southwards to the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala state, southern India. Here, they are found in clear, cool, swiftly-flowing hillstreams over pebbly substrates. These pretty, torpedo shaped loaches are members of a group of bottom dwellers referred to as Brook Loaches, and they occupy a similar, but not quite so harsh niche to that of the balitorids (Hillstream Loaches). Nemacheilidae is a huge and diverse family, currently containing over 450 species and is comprised of many popular genera, including Aborichthys, Acanthocobitis, Mesonoemacheilus, Nemacheilus, Schistura, and Yunnanilus. A requisite for their care is highly oxygenated water with plenty of current, and tight fitting coverslides are a must. The Galaxy Loach can be a little territorial with conspecifics, and should be kept in spacious aquaria with plenty of "˜visual barriers"™ amongst the décor. Their antagonistic behaviour is not so much of an issue in the wild, where fish can easily move from one territory to another, but it can certainly present problems within the confines of the aquarium. Provide a sandy substrate along with plenty of nooks and crannies formed from pebbles, rocks, pieces of slate, and tangles of driftwood - ensuring that lines of sight are broken up. Plants are not found in any great abundance in the fast-flowing waters of the natural habitat of the Galaxy Loach, so are not considered essential; however, robust species such as Anubias and Microsorum tied onto driftwood will help with water quality and will make the aquarium look more aesthetically pleasing, as well as creating more hiding places. The best way to keep these loaches is either singly, as a known compatible pair, or in dense groups (10+). Larger groups mean that any territorial aggression is spread amongst the shoal, so that no one fish bears the continual brunt of any sporadic antagonistic behaviour. Galaxy Loaches do not usually show aggression towards other current-loving fish, providing that they are not other nemacheilids. Nonetheless, tiny placid tankmates are best avoided, as are species with long fins. Good companions could include some of the smaller Barbs, Barilius/Opsarius, temperate Bitterlings, Crossocheilus, Danios, Devarios, or Garras, and shoals of these will act as 'dither fish', encouraging the loaches out into the open. Like other species that inhabit fresh running waters, these loaches will not tolerate a build-up of nitrates within the aquarium and require excellent water conditions at all times if they are to thrive - so powerful filtration and regular partial water changes are essential. May also be seen on sale as Günther's Loach.
Feeding
Small frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, and daphnia. Will also take sinking catfish pellets/tablets/granules.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium. Likely to spawn in a similar manner to that of the Zodiac Loach (M. triangularis).
