Horseface loach (Acantopsis choirorhynchos) — 7,5cm

Overview

Tropical fish UK enthusiasts seeking an unusual, bottom-dwelling species will find Acantopsis choirorhynchos, commonly known as the horseface loach or horse-faced loach, a fascinating addition to peaceful community aquariums. This distinctive loach originates from clear, swift streams and rivers across mainland and archipelagic Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Available for sale UK in sizes around 7.5cm, the species reaches approximately 18cm at maturity, requiring medium to large aquariums with soft sand substrate essential for its natural burrowing behavior. The elongated snout resembling a horse's face gives the species its common name and reflects specialized adaptations for probing substrate in search of food. Moderate care requirements suit aquarists with some experience maintaining Southeast Asian community fish.

Appearance

The horseface loach displays a streamlined, elongated body with a distinctively long, downturned snout that creates the characteristic "horse face" profile. Body coloration ranges from tan to golden-brown with irregular dark blotches, bands, or mottling that provides excellent camouflage against sandy substrates. The patterning varies between individuals, with some showing bold markings while others appear more uniform. The belly is pale or cream-colored. Eyes are positioned high on the head, allowing the loach to remain partially buried while monitoring its surroundings. The mouth is small and located on the underside of the snout, adapted for bottom-feeding and probing. All fins are relatively small and rounded. Overall appearance is elongated and specialized for a substrate-dwelling lifestyle, with the unique head shape making this species immediately recognizable.

Natural Habitat

This species inhabits clear, swift-flowing streams and rivers with sandy or fine gravel substrates across Southeast Asia. Natural habitats feature well-oxygenated water, moderate to strong current, and substrates ranging from fine sand to small pebbles. Water conditions are typically warm, soft to moderately hard, and slightly acidic to neutral. The loach spends much time partially or completely buried in sand, with only the eyes and top of the head visible. Seasonal flooding disperses populations into temporarily inundated areas, while the dry season concentrates fish in deeper pools and channels. The species forages by probing substrate with its elongated snout, detecting insect larvae, small invertebrates, and organic matter buried in sand.

Aquarium Setup

A minimum 200-litre aquarium with dimensions emphasizing length provides appropriate space for one or more horseface loaches. Use soft, fine sand substrate—3-5cm depth minimum—to allow natural burrowing behavior without injury. Sharp gravel or coarse substrates damage the sensitive snout and prevent normal foraging. Provide smooth rocks, driftwood, and PVC tubes to create hiding places and visual barriers. Robust, well-anchored plants such as Anubias, Java fern, and Vallisneria tolerate the loach's activity and provide additional cover. Maintain strong water flow using powerheads or filter outlets positioned to create directional current, replicating the species' hillstream origins. Ensure high dissolved oxygen through strong circulation and surface agitation. Moderate lighting suits the species. Ensure a secure lid, as loaches may jump when startled.

Water Parameters

Maintain temperatures between 22-28°C, with 24-26°C representing optimal conditions. The species tolerates slight variations but requires stability. pH should remain between 6.0-7.5, with slightly acidic to neutral values (6.5-7.0) ideal. Water hardness can range from soft to moderately hard without issue, though soft to moderate hardness better replicates natural Southeast Asian conditions. Ammonia and nitrite must be undetectable, while nitrates should stay below 30 ppm through efficient biological filtration and weekly water changes of 30-40%. The species is moderately sensitive to poor water quality, responding with reduced activity, lethargy, or skin issues. Ensure strong water circulation and high dissolved oxygen, as the species originates from well-oxygenated flowing waters.

Feeding

Acantopsis choirorhynchos is an omnivore with a preference for meaty foods. Offer quality sinking loach pellets or wafers as the dietary foundation, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, tubifex, and other small invertebrates. The species feeds primarily at night or during evening hours, so offer food after lights-out for best results. Feed small portions 4-5 times weekly rather than daily. Ensure food reaches the substrate where the loach forages—the species rarely ventures to the surface. Occasional finely chopped vegetables or algae-based foods provide dietary variety. Monitor body condition—a healthy horseface loach appears streamlined but not emaciated, with the body showing gentle curves rather than sunken or angular profiles.

Behaviour

Horseface loaches are peaceful, shy fish that spend much time partially or completely buried in sand with only the eyes visible. Activity increases during evening, nighttime, and feeding periods, when the loach emerges to forage across the substrate. The species uses its elongated snout to probe sand, detecting buried prey through chemoreception and mechanical sensing. Swimming behavior alternates between slow, deliberate movements and sudden rapid dashes when startled. The loach is entirely peaceful toward tankmates and displays no aggression. Stress or bright lighting causes extended hiding or burrowing, while dim lighting and secure cover encourage more confident exploration. Once established, many specimens become more visible during the day, particularly during feeding times.

Tank Mates

Acantopsis choirorhynchos thrives alongside peaceful, midwater community fish that do not compete for bottom territory or harass substrate dwellers. Suitable companions include rasboras, danios, peaceful barbs (cherry, odessa), tetras (diamond, Congo), rainbowfish, and peaceful dwarf cichlids. Avoid large aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, very boisterous bottom dwellers, predatory fish large enough to consume the loach, or highly territorial species. The loach's nocturnal habits and substrate-dwelling nature mean it rarely interacts with midwater tankmates, reducing conflict. In appropriately sized tanks with adequate sand area and hiding places, multiple horseface loaches coexist peacefully.

Breeding

Breeding Acantopsis choirorhynchos in home aquariums is uncommon and not well documented. Successful spawning likely requires excellent water quality, seasonal conditioning with temperature or water chemistry changes, abundant live foods, and fine substrate for egg deposition. If spawning occurs, eggs are likely scattered among substrate or vegetation. Fry are small and require microscopic foods initially. Most specimens in the trade are wild-caught, with captive breeding remaining rare among hobbyists.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

Tropical Fish Co supplies healthy, active horseface loaches carefully selected for good body condition and natural behavior. We ensure all specimens are feeding confidently on prepared foods before dispatch. Our expert team provides detailed care guidance covering the critical importance of soft sand substrate, water quality, and appropriate tankmate selection. With reliable UK delivery using specialist livestock couriers, your loach arrives safely in insulated packaging with oxygen. We support responsible fishkeeping and offer ongoing advice to help you succeed with this fascinating species. Choose Tropical Fish Co for quality livestock and expert customer support.