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Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 60 litres / 15.85 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 3.0cm / 1.18inches |
| Temperature | 20°C / 68.00°F - 26°C / 78.80°F |
| Hardness | 5.04dgH / 90ppm - 15.02dgH / 268ppm |
| pH | 6.5-8.0 |
General DescriptionThe Petruichthys Sp. 'Rosy', commonly known as the Rosy Loach, is a peaceful and surprisingly bold fish despite its small size, often reaching up to 3.0cm. The species is likely a micropredator, feeding primarily on small insects, worms, crustaceans, and zooplankton in its natural habitat.
Aquarium SetupBest suited for a densely-planted tank, the Rosy Loach thrives in a carefully-aquascaped environment with floating plants, driftwood roots, and leaf litter. Adding fine-leaved aquatic moss is recommended if raising fry alongside the adults. Water conditions of 20-26°C, pH of 6.5-8.0, and hardness of 90-268ppm are ideal. A minimum tank size of 60 litres is suggested, and regular partial water changes are essential to maintain water quality.
BehaviourThese loaches are peaceful but can be intimidated or outcompeted for food by larger or more active tankmates. They do well with small cyprinids and peaceful loaches and catfish. Careful consideration of tankmates to avoid aggression or competition for resources is advised.
Feeding and DietThe Rosy Loach is a micropredator, requiring small live foods like Daphnia, Moina, and Artemia nauplii. They also accept small or crushed floating dried foods with plant or algal content. Multiple small meals are recommended during acclimatization, especially if no competing fish are present.
Reproduction & DimorphismIn breeding, the Rosy Loach is an egg-scattering spawner without parental care. To increase fry yield, a controlled breeding setup with aged water and fine-leaved plants is suggested. Adult females are larger and rounder-bellied, with a brownish base color and dark spots. Males are slimmer with a pale orange base color that intensifies during mating, displaying bright hues and a solid lateral body stripe.
Habitat and DistributionFound in regions of southern China, the Rosy Loach's specific distribution remains unclear but is likely similar to that of Danio margaritatus. It inhabits shallow, grassy areas with dense aquatic plant life and is commonly collected alongside other fish species such as Devario sondhii and Microrasbora cf. rubescens in its native habitats.