Hasselt's Loach (Lepidocephalichthys hasselti) Breeding Guide

Breeding overview for Lepidocephalichthys hasselti, a Cobitidae loach not yet bred in the home aquarium; sexing and conditions covered.

Overview

Lepidocephalichthys hasselti is a member of the family Cobitidae, the true loaches. According to Seriously Fish, it inhabits shallow, slow-moving sections of streams and calmer habitats such as swamps, oxbows, backwaters and paddy fields across Southeast Asia and Indonesia. It is chiefly a micropredator that sifts mouthfuls of substrate through the gills to extract insect larvae and small crustaceans. Aquarium spawning of this species has not been documented.

Sexing

Sexual dimorphism is documented. Males develop enlarged pectoral fins in which the fused, thickened innermost rays (the seventh and eighth) form a structure known as the lamina circularis, appearing as a small, rounded flange-like projection. Females are typically heavier-bodied and slightly larger than males, and tend to show spotted patterning on the flanks rather than a dark stripe.

Conditioning

As a substrate-sifting micropredator, the species accepts sinking foods and small live or frozen prey such as Daphnia, Artemia and bloodworm. A varied diet of these foods supports adult condition. A fine sand substrate allows natural sifting behaviour, which is important for general health of conditioned adults.