Care guide
Caring for loaches
Loaches are playful bottom-dwellers. Most are social and need groups, soft substrate and places to hide; some grow large, and hillstream loaches need cool, fast, clean water.
Groups and hiding places
Keep kuhli, dwarf chain and clown loaches in groups. They need sand and caves, and they're most active at dusk.
Clown loaches grow to 25 cm or more and need very large tanks as adults.
Hillstream loaches
Hillstream loaches live on rocks in fast streams. Give them strong flow, high oxygen, cooler water and smooth stones with algae.
Care
Loaches are sensitive to some medications and to poor water. Use a lid; kuhlis find any gap.
Further reading
General information to help you prepare, not veterinary advice. Every animal is different: ask an experienced vet about yours. Reviewed by PerfectPal on October 13, 2026.