Horseface Loach (Acanthopsis choirorhynchos) Care Guide

A fascinating elongated loach with a distinctively long, horse-like snout. Spends most of its time buried in sand with only its eyes visible, ambushing small invertebrates.

Overview

Acanthopsis choirorhynchos is a species in the family Cobitidae. A fascinating elongated loach with a distinctively long, horse-like snout. Spends most of its time buried in sand with only its eyes visible, ambushing small invertebrates. A peaceful burrower that requires a deep layer of fine sand substrate. Rarely seen during the day but active at dusk and dawn.

Taxonomy

Family: Cobitidae
Genus: Acanthopsis
Scientific name: Acanthopsis choirorhynchos
Other names: Long-nosed Loach, Horsehead Loach
Origin: Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia

Habitat

Widely distributed across Southeast Asia from the Mekong basin to Sumatra, Java and Borneo. Inhabits sandy-bottomed rivers and streams, where it burrows almost completely into fine sand leaving only the eyes exposed. The elongated, downward-curving snout gives the species its common name.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 150 L
Temperature: 24-28 °C
pH: 6-7.5
GH: 3-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 15-22 cm
Lifespan: 8-12 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Corydoras, Harlequin Rasbora, Neon Tetra, Kuhli Loach
Avoid with: Large Cichlids, Aggressive Bottom Dwellers

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: advanced