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Gongota loach

Canthophrys gongota

Also known as Moose-face loach, Sand loach

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature
70–81°F (21–27°C)
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
5.1 in (13 cm)
Minimum tank
42 gal (160 L)
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Origin
Ganges and Brahmaputra drainages, India and Bangladesh
Family
Cobitidae

Overview

Peaceful and sociable, it does best in a small group over deep sand with unfussy midwater company. Feed sinking worms, granules, and frozen foods once lights dim. Watching one erupt from the sand at feeding time never gets old.

In the wild

The gongota loach comes from sandy stretches of the Ganges and Brahmaputra systems. It needs a fine sand floor to burrow and sift, gentle to moderate flow, 21 to 27 degrees Celsius, and pH 6.0 to 7.5 with clean, well-oxygenated water.

Good to know

Canthophrys gongota is the only member of its genus, reaching about 13 centimeters. The blunt, whiskered face has earned it the moose-face nickname, and it spends much of its time buried with just eyes and snout showing.

Did you know

It is a genus of one: no other fish shares Canthophrys, and the moose-face profile really is unlike anything else in the loach aisle.

Tank mates

Gongota loach is a peaceful, social species that keeps to the bottom. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a Gongota loach need?

A Gongota loach needs at least 42 gal (160 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH do Gongota loach need?

Gongota loach are comfortable at 70–81°F (21–27°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

How big do Gongota loach get?

An adult Gongota loach reaches about 5.1 in (13 cm).

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Loaches · Community fish · Bottom dwellers

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