Loaches

Specialised members of the carp family, these primarily bottom-dwelling fishes are found in a range of shapes and sizes that reflect adaptations to a range of natural environments.

A range of temperaments can be found, with some species being a challenge to combine with peaceful tankmates whilst others are model citizens. Like their cousins the barbs, the answer to this is often to keep them in groups that allow them to express normal behaviours. In these settings, they’re too busy to bother other fishes but it may be wise to avoid mixing them with slow-moving or long-finned companions. It may seem counterintuitive but often the best company for territorially minded loaches are small, shoaling fish which they generally ignore.

The highly aggressive Tiger and Skunk loaches are best kept away from peaceful bottom dwelling fishes such as Corydoras catfish and may be a challenge to house with all but one another and robust surface-dwelling species. They’re certainly a disaster in the average community aquarium. Other loaches are far less belligerent and can make an excellent choice for controlling nuisance snails and helping with the housework in communities which might be too rowdy for peaceful catfish. One of the most popular and colourful of this group, the Clown loach, is a large fish capable of outgrowing small tanks.

Some of the most beautifully specialised are the Hillstream loaches, with streamlined bodies and mouths capable of browsing algae and picking out the tasty invertebrates that dwell within it. Hailing from fast-flowing water, they demand high oxygen levels and clean water – take care if adding them to aquaria with lots of algae, which may be a sign of high nitrates and phosphates which will harm these fish.