Options for loaches without suborbital spine?

[Emerald Lance]

Hello,

I am interested in learning about loaches. My friend has a kuhli loach and she says it's lovely. I heard kuhli and other true loaches have spikes under their eyes that they use when they are stressed or scared. Are they safe to put in tanks with other loaches or other fish? Are there any loaches (not necessarily true loaches) that don't have those spikes?

I'm sorry, I'm very new to loaches and fish in general. I just want to make sure I have as much information as I can before getting an animal I can't properly care for. Suborbital spine being there is not exactly a deal breaker, but my preference would be to find some alternative that doesn't have it.

My friend suggested I look up this forum and ask here. I turn to you all in your wisdom

[rosiewilsonnsjh]

Kuhli loaches are indeed lovely and quite popular among aquarists. You're right about the spikes; kuhli and many true loaches have suborbital spines that can be a defense mechanism when they're stressed. In terms of tank compatibility, kuhli loaches are generally peaceful and can coexist with other loaches and community fish, as long as the tank is spacious and well-planted, providing plenty of hiding spots. Just be cautious with very aggressive or large fish. If you're looking for loaches without those spikes, consider species like the Yoyo Loach or the Clown Loach; they have different physical characteristics. slope 3dHowever, keep in mind that all loaches have their unique traits and care requirements, so researching each species is essential.

[jesse99]

Several loach species don't have these suborbital spines. Yoyo Loach and Stone Loach are two of them. Yoyo Loach is a peaceful variety of the Botia family that lacks the suborbital spine while Stone Loach is a small, bottom-dwelling. Retro Bowl College

[Emerald Lance]

Thank you all for the wonderful and informative replies! I think I'd like to find a few stone loaches. But they seem to be common in Europe and Asia, but not in the US where I am. I'm not able to find any stores (online or physical) that advertise them. Just to be clear, I should be looking for barbatula barbatula, right?

I have found some places that stock sand loaches, which may be a second choice if I can't find stone loaches. And again, just to be clear, we are talking about schistura mahnerti? There seem to be a few websites selling different types of loach and calling them something else, so I wanna make sure I'm looking for the correct species.

My daughter is really excited about getting fish. I've taken her to the aquarium a few times and she seems to really love aquatic life, and I definitely want to promote any passion she has about nature. She says she definitely wants "one of the snakey ones" because they're cute. Her words, not mine lol. So yoyo loach is probably out. She's a strange child sometimes, but that just makes her more precious to me.

[Thomas]

Just to be clear, I should be looking for barbatula barbatula, right?

Maybe not the best choice, B. barbatula is a coldwater fish. They don't like temperatures above 64-68° F. for a longer while. The spines of many loaches are harmless and they didn't protect them really good to be eaten by other fishes. Kuhliis and similar loaches don't use them active, so there is no danger for other fishes. There is really no problem to keep Kuhlii loaches e.g. with other fishes, mine shares their tank with small Boraras uropthalmoides, and larger vietnam Cobitis (more than 10 cm) live peacefull together with a group of Sawbwa resplendes. I would say the only thing in danger are your fingers if it is nescassary to catch them out of the tank...

Btw. "Botia" have this spine as well.

Best wishes
Thomas

[rosiewilsonnsjh]

Yes, kuhli loaches (Pangio kuhlii) do have suborbital spines under their eyes. These spines can be used defensively when the fish feels threatened. While they are generally peaceful, these spikes can pose a risk to other fish if the kuhli is frightened and tries to escape.

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