will frequently choose a spot, such as a
rocky ledge, to call its own. Although far
from aggressive, H. yunnanensis can be
possessive of this territory and will chase
tankmates away. It may take some time for
lizard loaches to adjust to the confines of
an aquarium. They will frequently hide and
sulk, or dash around uncomfortably for
the initial few days. Once settled they are
animated and amusing captive subjects.
LEPIDOCEPHALICHTHYS BERDMOREI
Common Name: Pepper loach
Aggression Level: 1
Maximum Size: 4 inches
A very durable loach indeed, the pepper
loach is equally at home in glass-clear
highland lakes or in sweltering rice paddies.
In Myanmar, villagers will construct traps
fabricated out of native dried reeds to
capture these loaches. A small amount of
mashed beans is placed inside the trap.
Much like a modern minnow trap, a hole in
the center of this trap allows the fish easy
entry, but because of inward facing reeds
the fish are unable to exit easily. Collectors
will take advantage of this species’ ability
to absorb air from their abdomens; many
L. berdmorei are placed in shallow plastic
holding trays with no oxygen or filtration
while they await exportation. These
tubs usually contain loaches and small
snakeheads such as Channa harcourtbutleri.
Lepidocephalichthys are sometimes called
“baby faced” loaches, and all of the species
are exceedingly peaceful and gentle.
MESONOEMACHEILUS
TRIANGULARIS AND M. GUENTHERI
Common Names: Batik or zodiac loach
Aggression Level: 3
Maximum Size: 2½ inches
This loach is named after the Malaysian
art of batik, in which fabric with ornate
designs is framed out by wax and dyed
in multiple treatments. When completed,
these pieces have beautiful, free flowing
designs in which no two are alike. The
aptly named batik loach is also blessed
with wonderful patterns of alternating dark
and light orange-brown. Mesonoemacheilus
guentheri is a frequent contaminant in
shipments of M. triangularis, which is from
India. They are similar in temperament
and size, but instead of having a repeating
Pepper loach Lepidocephalichthys berdmorei.
chevron pattern like M. triangularis, the
guentheri are decorated with mother-of-pearl spots over a dark base color.
Both are as feisty as they are beautiful.
These lighting-fast little fish are territorial
and constantly squabble over territories in
the confines of an aquarium. I like to keep
at least a dozen of these delightful fish in a
tank with hillstream conditions—meaning
clean, highly oxygenated water and smooth,
flat rocks for refuge. This species has been
bred and well documented in captivity by
Sallie Boggs. There is a link at Loaches
Online for additional information regarding
the captive spawning of M. triangularis.
These are fish with loads of personality. I
like to feed mine frequently—at least twice a
day to keep up with their fast metabolisms.
LEPIDOCEPHALICHTHYS GUNTEA
Common Name: Pepper loach
Aggression Level: 1
Maximum Size: 6 inches
Although they are capable of growing
to a robust 6 inches in length, L. guntea
remains a very gentle and shy species.
Pepper loaches are ideal tankmates for any
placid community.
LEPIDOCEPHALUS THERMALIS
Common Name: Marbled hog-face loach
Aggression Level: 1
Maximum Size: 3 inches
Another “baby face” or “hog face” loach,
L. thermalis is an extremely gentle fish that
should never be placed in aquariums with
aggressive or nippy fish. It is content when
placed with members of its own species. Watch
for imported juveniles that are too small and
emaciated to adapt to aquarium life.
Batik or zodiac loach Mesonoemacheilus triangularis.
