Zodiac loach
Mesonoemacheilus triangularis
Also known as Batik loach, Kerala loach, Nemacheilus triangularis
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 68–79°F
- 20–26°C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Adult size
- 2.4 in
- 6 cm
- Minimum tank
- 24 gal
- 90 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Nemacheilidae
- Origin
- Endemic to fast, clear, forested streams of the Western Ghats in Kerala, southern India, over gravel and bedrock.
Overview
The zodiac loach is a boldly marked stone loach for a tank with brisk flow and a rocky floor. It suits a keeper with some experience.
Did you know
The zodiac loach's intricate, scribbled pattern is unique to each fish, a bit like a fingerprint.
Caring for the zodiac loach
Give the zodiac loach a tank of 24 gal (90 L) or more, with a rocky, sandy bottom that mimics a river bed. It wants brisk flow and clean water. Fit a tight lid, since it can jump.
Keep the water at 68 to 79°F (20 to 26°C) with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The zodiac loach is an omnivore that takes sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp.
Keep it singly, as a compatible pair or in a dense group of 10 or more, since middling numbers lead to bickering. It can be territorial and a little fin-nippy. Choose active, robust tank mates rather than slow or long-finned fish.
Good to know
The zodiac loach belongs to the stone loach family Nemacheilidae. It was long known as Nemacheilus triangularis before its move to Mesonoemacheilus. A maze of dark, worm-like lines covers its body and gives it the zodiac and batik names.
In the wild
The zodiac loach is endemic to the Western Ghats in Kerala, southern India. It lives in cool, well-oxygenated hill streams that run fast and clear through forest, over gravel and bedrock.
Common questions
What size tank does a zodiac loach need?
A zodiac loach needs at least 24 gal (90 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a zodiac loach need?
A zodiac loach is comfortable at 68–79°F (20–26°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.5.
What does a zodiac loach eat?
A zodiac loach is an omnivore that takes sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp.
How big does a zodiac loach get?
An adult zodiac loach reaches about 2.4 in (6 cm).
Related species
2.4 in (6 cm)20 gal (75 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)Aizawl loach
Schistura aizawlensis
2.4 in (6 cm) · 20 gal (75 L)
2.4 in (6 cm)20 gal (75 L)64–75°F (18–24°C)Nilgiri loach
Schistura nilgiriensis
2.4 in (6 cm) · 20 gal (75 L)
2.6 in (6.5 cm)20 gal (75 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)Painted zipper loach
Paracanthocobitis pictilis
2.6 in (6.5 cm) · 20 gal (75 L)
2.6 in (6.7 cm)20 gal (75 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)Guenther's zipper loach
Nemacheilus guentheri
2.6 in (6.7 cm) · 20 gal (75 L)
2.8 in (7 cm)24 gal (90 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)Twin-spot loach
Nemacheilus binotatus
2.8 in (7 cm) · 24 gal (90 L)
2 in (5 cm)20 gal (75 L)64–75°F (18–24°C)Cloud loach
Schistura nubigena
2 in (5 cm) · 20 gal (75 L)