Horseface loach

🔥 Horseface Loach (Acantopsis choirorhynchos)
Add unusual behaviour and natural riverbed character to your aquarium with the fascinating Horseface Loach. Acantopsis choirorhynchos Named for its long, horse-like snout and slender body shape, this peaceful bottom-dwelling species is a true specialist burrower. Calm, shy, and highly unique, Horseface Loaches spend much of their time partially buried in sand, emerging to forage and explore during quieter periods.

Their distinctive appearance and natural substrate-sifting behaviour make them a standout addition to larger peaceful aquariums with soft sand and gentle flow.

🌿 Why Choose Horseface Loach?
🎨 Unique elongated “horse-like” snout and streamlined body
🐠 Peaceful bottom-dwelling burrowing species
🌿 Excellent for natural river-style and sandy aquariums
⭐ Fascinating substrate-sifting and burying behaviour
🪨 Adds natural movement and activity to the lower levels

In a mature aquarium, Horseface Loaches often bury themselves beneath the substrate with only their snout visible, emerging to forage across the tank floor.

📏 Care Requirements
🧬 Scientific Name: Acantopsis choirorhynchos
📛 Common Name: Horseface Loach
🏠 Tank Size: 150L+ recommended
📏 Adult Size: ~20–25 cm
🌡️ Temperature: 24–28°C
⚗️ pH Range: 6.0–7.5
🧘 Temperament: Peaceful and shy
🍽️ Diet: Sinking pellets, frozen foods, bloodworm, live foods
👥 Group Size: Best kept singly or in small peaceful groups

Horseface Loaches thrive in aquariums with fine sand substrate, subdued lighting, driftwood, and gentle-to-moderate flow.

🐠 Compatibility
Ideal for peaceful community aquariums with rasboras, rainbowfish, gouramis, larger tetras, and other non-aggressive species. Avoid aggressive bottom dwellers or highly territorial fish.

⚠️ Important Notes
Soft sand substrate is essential, as gravel can damage their delicate snout and body while burrowing. These fish are naturally shy and appreciate plenty of cover and quiet surroundings.

A superb choice for UK aquarists wanting a truly unusual bottom dweller with natural burrowing behaviour and distinctive appearance.