What is the difference between Loaches and Gobies ?

[zenins]

Hey everyone, been a while since I have been here.

I was wondering, generally, what is the difference between Loaches and Gobies ?

I mean Rainbow Gobies (Stiphodon ornatus), Neon Goby (Stiphodon atropurpureus),
and so on.

I know that gobies generally have two dorsal fins, but what are other differences ?

Can gobies and Loaches be kept together ?

Thanks for any information you can provide

[Bas Pels]

Gobies are related to perch, while loaches are related to barbs. That is, they are way different fish

But, in some places they arte found together. And in case fish live together in nature, and do not prey on each other, most often thay make ideal tankmates.

Problem is, both of gobies and loaches not much is known. Thus the risk of getting wehat you did not expect is a reality. I once had a similar thing with catfish, I expected them te reach 10, 15 cm but they grew to over 30.

[NancyD]

Yes, there are many differences between the 2 genra.

I kept sewellia lineolata & gastromyzon ctenocephalis with stiphon gobies (3 species) in a "river-ish" 55g 4ft tank. The sewellia breed once/year & a couple fry survive each time, the others have pretty much died out after 9 years...but I may still have a stiphodon atropurperius (fingers crossed!). He hides most of the time anymore, he has no conspecifics to display for or to...but I see him wait for food sometimes...or used to as of last year

Stiphodon gobies can't breed & raise fry in a totally freshwater tank, they need some "saltwater" (or at least heavy brackish water) pelagiac time. That's not something I'm willing to try...too much bother for very iffy results & females for 2 species were not available...Not the "pretty boys", so not stocked often. Still, very interesting fish!

[redshark1]

In my LFS the difference between Loaches and Gobies is £1.50.

Merry Christmas!

[zenins]

In my LFS the difference between Loaches and Gobies is £1.50.

hahaha ... good one