Hasselt's Loach

Adults typically reach a length of 4 to 6 cm. Their body is elongated and slender, and their fins are translucent. The mouth is located on the underside of the head and is surrounded by sensitive barbels, which help the fish find food. Body coloration varies depending on the region of origin, but the main tone remains gray, with a silvery belly. Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed: females are practically indistinguishable from males, which are usually slightly smaller. Members of the family Cobitidae, specifically loaches, have small spines or thorns used for defense, usually hidden under the skin. When danger arises, for example, when attempting to catch the fish for transfer or during aquarium cleaning, they release these spines. It is important to exercise caution so that the fish does not get entangled in the net or injure the aquarist when trying to handle it.

This fish originates from Southeast Asia, found in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and on the islands of Java and Sumatra. It is most often found in shallow, stagnant waters and small rivers with slow currents. Typical substrates for them are soft, silty bottoms, covered with fallen leaves, branches, and various snags. Water conditions can vary significantly depending on the season. For example, during the dry season, the water often 'blooms' with algae, while during the wet season, it can be both crystal clear and very turbid. These fish are capable of successfully adapting even to quite extreme conditions. There have been cases where they were found in a shallow (up to half a meter) puddle, connected to a river only by a small channel, where there was no vegetation, and the bottom was pure mud. Wild animals at that time used this drying puddle as their only water source. Some individuals survived the dry season in puddles where the silt and water formed a consistency similar to porridge.

These fish have a peaceful and calm disposition, coexisting perfectly with other species. Due to their small size, it is not recommended to house them with large bottom dwellers. The optimal choice would be schooling species of small cyprinids or characins that prefer the middle or upper water layers.

For a group of 4–5 fish, an aquarium of about 50 liters will suffice. When decorating, preference should be given to a soft sandy substrate, as the fish sometimes completely bury themselves in it, leaving only their eyes visible on the surface. The use of gravel and other hard substrates is unacceptable in this case. Snags, whether natural or artificial, will be an important decorative element. To give the water a characteristic 'tea' tint, it is recommended to add Indian almond leaves. It is advisable to maintain subdued lighting. The presence of aquatic vegetation is not mandatory, but if desired, shade-loving species should be chosen. Caring for Lepidocephalichthys hasselti does not require significant time, as the fish is very undemanding. Regular procedures are limited to cleaning the substrate from organic waste and weekly water changes of 15–20% of the volume with fresh water.

The feeding process of these fish involves sifting the substrate with their mouths, retaining small zooplankton living in the substrate. In a home aquarium, Lepidocephalichthys hasselti will also actively dig through the substrate. It is important to offer them exclusively sinking foods, such as dry flakes or pellets, as well as live or frozen products: bloodworms, daphnia, artemia.

Currently, there have been no successful reports of breeding Hasselt's Loach in home aquariums.

Non-ornamental fish species that have retained a close resemblance to their wild relatives usually exhibit high endurance, strong immunity, and resistance to various diseases. The occurrence of health problems most often indicates unsuitable keeping conditions. Therefore, before proceeding with treatment, it is strongly recommended to check the water quality and parameters. Only after all indicators have been brought back to normal should treatment begin, if it is still necessary.

When purchasing, choose individuals with clean skin without visible spots, film, ulcers, or damage. A healthy fish should show natural activity and not appear emaciated or apathetic. Avoid specimens that constantly lie on their side or make chaotic movements, as this may indicate health problems or stress from improper keeping conditions in the store. Pay attention to the fish's behavior in the aquarium: they should demonstrate interest in searching for food in the substrate. Since loaches are bottom dwellers, their eyes should be clear, and their breathing rhythmic. Given the presence of suborbital spines, be careful during transportation, as in a state of severe stress, the fish may get entangled in the net or injure itself and other inhabitants.