Guntea Loach Care Guide
Lepidocephalichthys guntea is a hardy cobitid loach from southern Asia, a peaceful bottom-dwelling sand-sifter that reaches about 15 cm.
Overview
Lepidocephalichthys guntea is a small loach of the family Cobitidae native to southern and south-eastern Asia. It has an elongated body with barbels around the mouth and spends most of its time near the substrate. The species is a facultative air-breather, using its intestine to absorb atmospheric oxygen, which lets it tolerate both flowing and stagnant waters.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cobitidae
- Genus: Lepidocephalichthys
- Scientific name: Lepidocephalichthys guntea (Hamilton, 1822)
Habitat
FishBase records the species across Pakistan, northern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand and the Salween basin. It is a demersal, potamodromous fish inhabiting a wide range of freshwater and occasionally brackish habitats, from clear flowing streams to standing waters. Its intestinal breathing adaptation supports survival in oxygen-poor, stagnant conditions.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 18-26 °C (64-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Group size: 4 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
The Guntea loach is an omnivore with a low trophic level (about 2.7 per FishBase). It sifts sand for small invertebrates, detritus and organic matter. In aquaria it accepts sinking pellets, frozen and live foods such as bloodworm, supplemented with prepared sinking feeds offered roughly twice daily.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling species best kept in small groups over a sandy substrate that allows natural sifting behaviour. Suitable companions include cool-water cyprinids; robustly aggressive tankmates should be avoided. A soft substrate protects the barbels from abrasion.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2012). The species is widespread, shows high resilience, and is of low vulnerability to fishing pressure.