Fresh Water
Fresh Water
Lepidocephalichthys Guntea
Cypriniformes Print
Family: Cobitidae
Synonym Names: Cobitis guntea Hamilton, Cobitis balgara Hamilton, Cobitis maya Sykes, Canthophrys vittatus Swainson, Cobitis phoxocheila McClelland, Misgurnus lateralis Günther, Lepidocephalus dibruensis Sen, Lepidocephalichthys nepalensis Shrestha, Cobitis guttata McClelland, Schistura aculeata McClelland
Classification Order: Cypriniformes
More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 72 litres / 19.02 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 15.0cm / 5.91inches |
| Temperature | 20°C / 68.00°F - 25°C / 77.00°F |
| Hardness | 2.02dgH / 36ppm - 12.05dgH / 215ppm |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
Behaviour:
Lepidocephalichthys spp. are known to be peaceful towards both their own kind and other tankmates, with no reports of aggressive behavior. They tend to do best when kept in groups of four or more individuals, particularly among conspecifics. In the aquarium, they are less timid when housed alongside fishes that occupy the upper part of the water column, such as Trichopodus, Trichogaster, Trichopsis, or certain Danio species. Sand-dwelling loaches from compatible families like Botiidae, Cobitidae, and Nemacheilidae can also make suitable tankmates, but caution is advised as some species within these families may exhibit territorial or aggressive tendencies. Creating a community tank based on fishes from Lepidocephalichthys' natural habitats can include species like Badis badis, Acanthocobitis zonalternans, Lepidocephalichthys berdmorei, Danio rerio, Trichogaster chuna, and Trichogaster lalius.
Feeding and Diet:
Lepidocephalichthys species primarily feed as micropredators by sifting mouthfuls of substrate to extract items like insect larvae and small crustaceans. In the aquarium, they can also accept sinking dried foods but thrive best when offered regular meals of small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia, Artemia, and bloodworms.
Reproduction & Dimorphism:
While details about the reproduction habits of Lepidocephalichthys species in captivity are scarce, it is presumed that they are seasonal spawners in their natural habitat. Sexual dimorphism is observed in mature males, who exhibit enlarged pectoral fins with fused innermost rays forming a structure known as the lamina circularis. On the other hand, adult females typically have a heavier body, are slightly larger than males, and display spotted patterning on their flanks.
Habitat and Distribution:
Lepidocephalichthys Guntea is widespread in the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems in northern India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, with additional records from Myanmar, central India, and Pakistan. These loaches are commonly found in shallow, slow-moving streams, swamps, oxbows, backwaters, and paddy fields with soft mud or silt substrates, often heavily vegetated. They exhibit adaptability to varying water conditions, including oxygen depletion, and have been observed using their intestine as a supplementary breathing organ during oxygen-poor periods.
Aquarium Setup:
To ensure the well-being of Lepidocephalichthys species in an aquarium setting, it is crucial to provide them with a soft, sandy substrate as they spend time buried or partially buried. Coarser gravel can cause stress or injuries. Including water-worn rocks, driftwood branches, and tree roots for hiding spots is recommended. Dim lighting works well unless growing plants is a goal. Maintaining a calm water flow and adequate oxygen levels is important, while precautions against jumping, such as covering the tank well, should be taken.
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