Horseface loach
Acantopsis dialuzona
intermediate careOverview
The horseface loach (Acantopsis dialuzona) is a long, slender, sand-dwelling oddball named for its distinctive downturned, horse-like snout. It is a dedicated burrower, sifting fine sand for food and vanishing beneath it to rest, often with just its eyes poking out. Peaceful and fascinating, it is nonetheless a big fish that is easy to underestimate at purchase — plan for its adult size and its absolute need for a deep, soft sand bed and it becomes a captivating specialist.
Tank & water
A horseface loach needs a long tank of at least 200 litres (55 gallons) with a large footprint. Hold 24–28 °C with a filter giving good oxygen and moderate flow on clean, well-cycled water.
- Deep soft sand: essential for burrowing and sifting — see best aquarium sand and gravel and the substrate hub.
- Secure lid: they can be startled and are best kept covered.
- Calm, mature setup: dim lighting and stable water suit their shy nature.
Feeding
As omnivores, horseface loaches sift sand for worms, insect larvae and detritus. Feed sinking pellets, wafers and frozen foods such as bloodworm and tubifex — a sinking food that settles into the sand is ideal. See our best fish food picks. Feed after lights dim so these shy foragers can find their food undisturbed.
Tankmates
Peaceful despite its size, the horseface loach suits calm communities of medium, non-aggressive fish such as larger rainbowfish, barbs, and peaceful cichlids. It ignores its tankmates, keeping to the sand. Avoid tiny fish it might disturb and boisterous or aggressive species. It coexists fine with other bottom-dwellers that don’t compete for the same buried space.
Frequently asked questions
The horseface loach is a peaceful, sand-diving giant for keepers who can offer a long tank and a deep bed of soft sand. Meet those needs and it becomes one of the most characterful oddball loaches in the hobby.
Horseface loach — frequently asked questions
Does a horseface loach need sand?
Absolutely — soft, fine sand is non-negotiable. Horseface loaches spend much of their time burrowed into the substrate with only their eyes showing, sifting sand for food. Gravel prevents this natural behaviour and can injure them, so a deep bed of smooth sand is essential.
How big does a horseface loach get?
Large — often 20 cm and sometimes more in a big tank. They are frequently sold small and their eventual size is underestimated, so plan for a long tank of 200 litres or more with a deep sand bed rather than a standard community setup.
Why is my horseface loach always buried?
That is entirely normal, especially by day. Horseface loaches are shy, sand-diving fish that bury themselves to rest and forage, emerging more at dusk and after lights-out. A calm tank with dim lighting and few boisterous fish encourages them out more.
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