| Banded Mountain Loach | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cypriniformes |
| Family: | Balitoridae |
| Subfamily: | Nemacheilinae |
| Genus: | Acanthocobitis |
| Species: | A. urophthalmus |
| Binomial name | |
| Acanthocobitis urophthalmus (Günther, 1868) |
|
The Banded Mountain Loach (Acanthocobitis urophthalmus) is a species of ray-finned fish in the Balitoridae family. It is found only in Sri Lanka.
Contents |
Max length : 2 inches (5 cm)
freshwater
Sri Lanka, restricted to the south western lowlands from Kelani River to Nilwala River.
The correct name for mountain loach is Acanthocobitis urophthalmus. It is also known as a tiger loach
The tank for these fish should mimic their natural environment which are the gravel/sand bottom hill streams of Sri Lanka. Plenty of stones and shelters for hiding is recommended. Ideally, these loaches should be provided with brook/hillstream aquarium conditions incorporating a high flow rate and well oxygenated water.
Feeding: Most foods accepted. Commercial sinking formulations and bottom-dwelling live-foods. Frozen foods such as bloodworm/brine shrimp.
Water parameters: pH: 6.0-7.5 Hardness: Soft-medium. Max dh: 12 Recommended
Temperature: 68ºF to 77 ºF (18-25°C)
Breeding: N/A.
Found in a variety of streams from river mainstreams to small brooks. Appears to avoid mountain streams with steep gradients, preferring shallower riffles running over small pebbles. Viewed from above, its maturated color pattern makes it inconspicuous.