We are looking for a loach that is peaceful,grows no bigger than 6in. and wants to consume those pesky pond snails as a snack. any help or sugesstions ?
snail eating loach
- Thread starter tjcher
- Start date
zebra loach (botia striata)
grows to about 4 inches, but you will need to keep about 5 or more (they get lonely if you don't). however if you are just looking for something to control snails, but not decimate them, then you may want something else as these little guys will devour all of your snails.
Lupin probably has the perfect answer for you
grows to about 4 inches, but you will need to keep about 5 or more (they get lonely if you don't). however if you are just looking for something to control snails, but not decimate them, then you may want something else as these little guys will devour all of your snails.
Lupin probably has the perfect answer for you
Lupin
Registered Member
- Sep 21, 2006
- 21,430
- 13
- 0
- Real Name
- Paul
What size is the tank? H3D is right. Loaches are sociable creatures and should not be deprived of their company. We need to determine the tank size first so we can find a perfect species for you. If you like loaches, get them.
Snails may be pesky but they are also beneficial eating leftover foods and in most species' cases, stir the substrate around thus preventing deadly anaerobic pockets.
Malaysian trumpets stir the substrate around thus preventing anaerobic pockets which if disturbed can release hydrogen sulfide causing acute respiratory problems to the fish. These have very few predators due to their thick hard shells. A lot of puffers seem unable to crush them and most loaches have snouts that discourage them from attempting to pry off the mollusk. Tiger loaches (Syncrossus sp.) are by far the most versatile I have seen. They skillfully burrow into the substrate and with their elongated snout, they can suck out the mollusk quite efficiently. The downside is they're downright nasty and can grow too large for most tanks.
If your tank is 55g and over, you could attempt a group of yoyos. Do bear in mind these fish are very boisterous so most tankmates will not take well to them. They do have slightly elongated snouts which make them effective in working through several snail species such as MTS. Zebras, kubotais, histrionicas and rostratas are fine but their snouts are less elongated so they may be unable to eliminate several MTS. Pond snails and ramshorns however are more vulnerable so they can work well there.
Snails may be pesky but they are also beneficial eating leftover foods and in most species' cases, stir the substrate around thus preventing deadly anaerobic pockets. Malaysian trumpets stir the substrate around thus preventing anaerobic pockets which if disturbed can release hydrogen sulfide causing acute respiratory problems to the fish. These have very few predators due to their thick hard shells. A lot of puffers seem unable to crush them and most loaches have snouts that discourage them from attempting to pry off the mollusk. Tiger loaches (Syncrossus sp.) are by far the most versatile I have seen. They skillfully burrow into the substrate and with their elongated snout, they can suck out the mollusk quite efficiently. The downside is they're downright nasty and can grow too large for most tanks.
If your tank is 55g and over, you could attempt a group of yoyos. Do bear in mind these fish are very boisterous so most tankmates will not take well to them. They do have slightly elongated snouts which make them effective in working through several snail species such as MTS. Zebras, kubotais, histrionicas and rostratas are fine but their snouts are less elongated so they may be unable to eliminate several MTS. Pond snails and ramshorns however are more vulnerable so they can work well there.
Tank size as Lupin said would be major factor. As well as what other tank mates are in the tank.
Also is the fish in your profile pic yours? My shcistura crimson and similus, loved ramshorn snails. Although the snails where small at the time.
Also is the fish in your profile pic yours? My shcistura crimson and similus, loved ramshorn snails. Although the snails where small at the time.
Totally agree with Lupin, but would add Robustas to the list. I have to breed pond snails in another tank to keep them satisfied.
yes the loach in my profile pic was mine but recently passed away,but i loved my sumo
Lupin
Registered Member
- Sep 21, 2006
- 21,430
- 13
- 0
- Real Name
- Paul
agreed plecs gotta go, i believe it was 2 feet long they reach? as for loaches, zebra loaches(botia striata) or marble loaches(botia kubotai) would work fine