The dwarf loach, a small cyprinid, is one of the less-common loaches for the home aquarium. Despite its modest size and relatively unimpressive coloration, the dwarf loach fish deserves a second look. It is very hardy and easy to care for, and its small stature makes it appropriate for miniature tanks. If you are interesting in buying dwarf loaches for your own fish tank, know these facts about dwarf loach care.
Adult Size
An adult dwarf loach will rarely exceed three inches in size. They are slimmer than larger loaches, but plumper than the coolie loach.
Minimum Tank Size
Keep dwarf loaches in a five-gallon aquarium or larger. Ten is better; twenty is ideal.
Strata
Dwarf loaches feed and lounge exclusively in the bottom third of a fish tank.
Water pH
Maintain a pH of 6 - 7.5 in any aquarium inhabited by dwarf loaches.
Water Parameters
Dwarf loaches can tolerate surprisingly high nitrate levels, possibly exceeding 60 ppm. However, it it best to keep nitrate levels below 30 and ammonia levels undetectable.
Temperature
Your dwarf loach fish will not live long in a tank without a heater. Do not allow your water temperature to drop below 79 degrees or rise above 85 degrees.
Social Behavior
As a shoaling species, this lively fish must live in groups of four or more. To thrive, dwarf loaches should be kept in large groups with eight or more individual fish. They are not territorial.
Set-Up
Some parts of the tank should be densely planted, but the midddle range of the tank should provide open water for swimming.
Feeding
Dwarf loaches accept fine-grade flake food and small live foods. Some will enjoy freeze-dried tubifex as an occasional treat.
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