Banded mountain loach (Acanthocobitis urophthalmus)

Scientific name: Acanthocobitis urophthalmus G?nther, 1868

Banded mountain loach (Acanthocobitis urophthalmus)

The Banded mountain loach (Acanthocobitis urophthalmus) is a freshwater fish of the family Balitoridae that grows to about 5 cm (2 in). It is moderate to keep and peaceful and needs a tank of at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 20–25.5°C (68–78°F) and a pH of 6.0–7.5. Native range: Asia, Restricted to the south western lowlands from Kelani River to Nilwala River, Sri Lanka.

Banded mountain loach care at a glance

Care level
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful
Adult size
5 cm (2 in)
Minimum tank
210 L (55 US gal)
Temperature
20–25.5°C (68–78°F)
pH
6.0–7.5
Diet
Accepts frozen foods, live foods, bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Biology

Found in shallow, flowing waters over pebble substrate. Probably feeds on invertebrates and detritus. A hardy species that is among the favorites in the aquarium fish trade.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Acanthocobitis urophthalmus
Family
Balitoridae (River loaches)
Order
Cypriniformes (Carps)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
4.0
Environment
Freshwater; demersal
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Asia: restricted to the south western lowlands from Kelani River to Nilwala River, Sri Lanka.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Lower Risk: conservation dependent (LR/cd)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Assuming Fec

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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