Data sheet Medusa loach
Latin name:
Serpenticobitis octozona
Trade name:
Medusa loach, medusa loach, eight-ringed loach, serpent loach
order name:
Cypriniformes
Family:
Serpenticobitidae
Genus:
serpenticobitis
Origin:
Southeast Asia, Laos Sekong River, Mekong with tributaries
Size (in cm:
4.0 to 5.5
aquarium size
Length and width in cm:
from 100
Content in litres:
from 200 liters
water values
Temperature:
23 to 26°C
pH:
5 to 6
GH:
medium hard
behavior/stocking
Area:
lower area
Lining:
Omnivores, live food (Artemia, Daphnia), granules, dry and frozen food, boiled or scalded vegetables
Behave:
Schooling fish, peaceful
Number:
6 to 10 animals
Life expectancy:
up to 10 years
Socialization with shrimp:
Yes
Difficulty level:
beginner fish
General introduction
This small loach species is still new to aquaristics. It owes its Latin name octozona to the 8 distinctive, dark bands on the body.
Loaches thrive best when cared for in a small group. You have a distinctive social behavior with a hierarchy and communicate with each other via clicks. To other fish, serpenticobitis are peaceful.
Notable is their ability to cling to vertical and overhanging surfaces. Their subordinates help them with this suction mouth. They use this to hold on to stones and roots so as not to be swept away by the current. You can even use it to move against the current. They do this mainly during the spawning season.
Included nibble off algae growth and other deposits. The animals like to dig up the ground for microorganisms and snails. They are not picky about their food, they devour everything eatable in no time at all. It is important to ensure that there is enough food left over for any roommates.
Medusa loaches are main active at duskthey avoid bright light.
Their cylindrical body is squat for loaches. They have a small head and a rounded mouth with fleshy lips. Typical for loaches are the three pairs of barbels and an erectable lower eye thorn. There is a spike on each of the ventral and pectoral fins. The rows of dots that are located on all fins are striking. At the base of the caudal fin is a large, distinct spot.
The fish are tolerant of water parameters. In their homeland, they live in fast-flowing, oxygen-rich waters with acidic, soft water.
Your aquarium should have similar conditions. It takes one good filtration and sufficient flow. Humic substances increase the well-being of the little loaches.
Sand or fine gravel is suitable as a floor covering. The planting does not need to be lush. Some hardy plants such as Anubias, Vallisneria or Javafarn are sufficient. Many stones, stone structures and roots are important as hiding places. It should be covered so that the active fish cannot jump out of the tank.
gender differences
The females are slightly rounder than the males.
breed
So far are in the aquarium only a few random breeds succeeded. In the wild, loaches form large, loose groups during the spawning season. Together they migrate up rivers and spawn in narrow crevices or under overhangs.
This spawning migration is difficult to simulate in the tank. Apparently it is necessary to get the animals ready to spawn.
In Asia, the fish are induced to spawn with hormone treatments. Young fish are produced there in large plants for export.
socialization
Socialization with other peaceful fish with similar biotope requirements is possible. Flatmates who stay in the upper pool area are favorable. These include tetras, danios, lesser Barilius, Devario, Danio, Mystacoleucus, Epiplatys, Pseudogastromyzon, Beaufortia, Gastromyzon, Sewellia and various Rasbora species.
Living together with shrimp works, the shrimp offspring could end up on the menu of Serpenticobitis octozona.
It is not advisable to have crabs as roommates. Crayfish inhabit the same area in the tank as the loaches. The Medusa loaches would probably be eaten by the crabs due to their small size.