Nemachilichthys Rueppelli

Datasheet

General Description

The Nemachilichthys rueppelli, also known as Nemachilichthys Rueppelli, is a peaceful and reclusive loach from the family Nemacheilidae. It is typically found in moderate to fast-flowing streams and rivers, often associated with aquatic vegetation and submerged roots. This species is known for its elongate, slightly compressed body, relatively large eyes, and pointed snout. It has a cylindrical body shape with almost complete scales, a deeply forked caudal fin, and a moderate number of grooves on its lips.

Aquarium Setup

To maintain Nemachilichthys rueppelli successfully, it is essential to recreate conditions resembling a flowing stream or river in the aquarium. This includes a substrate of rocks, sand, gravel, and water-worn boulders. Adding driftwood branches to create hiding spots is recommended. While most aquatic plants may struggle in this setup, hardy varieties like Microsorum, Bolbitis, or Anubias species can be attached to the décor. Providing high dissolved oxygen levels and some water movement is crucial, achieved through power filters, powerheads, or airstones. Regular water changes of 30-50% tank volume per week are necessary to maintain pristine water conditions.

Behaviour

Nemachilichthys rueppelli prefers the company of conspecifics and thrives when kept in groups of four or more specimens. It is generally peaceful with other tankmates, especially with peaceful cyprinids and rheophilic loaches. However, this species can exhibit territorial behavior when combined with excessively aggressive fish. Maintaining suitable tank mates that inhabit similar biotopes in nature is recommended to ensure the well-being of the loach.

Feeding and Diet

In its natural habitat, Nemachilichthys rueppelli feeds on small insects, worms, crustaceans, and zooplankton. While it consumes small amounts of plant matter, its diet primarily consists of animal-based foods. In the aquarium, it accepts a variety of foods, including dried, live, and frozen options. Offering small live and frozen fare like Daphnia, Artemia, and bloodworm enhances the fish's coloration and overall condition.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Limited information is available on the reproduction of Nemachilichthys rueppelli. Males of this species lack certain sexual dimorphic features seen in related genera, such as breeding tubercles or suborbital flaps. However, males typically exhibit more well-defined body bars compared to females, with 14-16 bars in males and 11-14 in females. Adult females tend to be slightly larger and heavier-bodied than males.

Habitat and Distribution

Nemachilichthys rueppelli is endemic to the upper reaches of the east-flowing Krishna River system in the Western Ghats region. It has been recorded in several rivers within this system, including Indrayani, Mula-Mutha, Nira, Krishna, Koyna, Hiranyakeshi, and Tunga. The species is associated with moderate to fast-flowing rivers, often found on substrates of mud, silt, pebbles, rocks, and boulders. Inhabiting areas with seasonal fluctuations in water flow rate, depth, and turbidity, Nemachilichthys rueppelli is part of a diverse aquatic ecosystem with various coexisting species.