Horseface Loach

[mr.cichlid]

Does anyone keep horseface loach (ACANTHOPSIS CHOIRORYNCHUS) with malawi cichlids? I read an article about 'em they do burrow in sand thus help in sifting sand. They do get around 8". I am thinking they may prove beneficial against snails in sand sifting. Please advise.

 

[jpappy789]

They'll likely be too much of a pushover to the cichlids which could result in anything from getting out competed for food to actual bodily harm. I personally would never put a loach in with malawi given the serendipity of their temperament.

 

[Lupin]

Not a good combo IMO. Horsefaced loaches tend to be a little timid in my experience.

 

[adimeatatime]

I keep horseface loaches and agree with the above comments. They are a very peaceful, shy species. I keep my fish in a tank with ph of around 6.5-6.6. Because I don't have cichlids I googled the suggested parameters for Malawi cichild and found they are kept at much a much higher ph, gh, kh than is recommended for horseface loaches. Another problem would be feeding them....If you don't think much food would get to the MTS (I read your thread on the invert forum), then it is unlikely enough food would get to the loach.

 

[mr.cichlid]

guys...thanks for all the good info...will keep researching on sandsifting species of fish and inverts...