Dwarf Horse-face Loach

About

Found in the forest and upland streams of Indonesia and Malaysia, this small cobitid, Acanthopsoides robertsi, buries itself in sandy substrates of moderate to fast-flowing water. It belongs to a group commonly called dwarf horse-face loaches, owing to their close relationship with the larger Acantopsis genus, and while most members of Acanthopsoides are notoriously difficult to tell apart, robertsi stands out by the dark triangular marking on its caudal fin. A reliable field mark that makes it the most identifiable species in the genus. It also sports a row of mid-dorsal blotches running from the snout to the tail base, typically fourteen or more, and a pale halo surrounding the dark spot at the upper caudal-fin base. Like all cobitids, it carries motile sub-ocular spines that can snag in nets, so always use a container when moving fish out of the tank. Despite the "aggressive" flag on the care sheet, hobbyist experience suggests these loaches are actually quite peaceable with tankmates; they do best in groups of six or more and appreciate the company of small, peaceful schooling fish in the upper water column. A sandy substrate is essential for their natural digging behavior. Captive breeding is almost undocumented, making any breeding attempt genuinely novel territory.