Iksookimia longicorpa

Care parameters

Water temperature

18–26 °C

pH

6.5–7.5

GH hardness

5–15 dGH

Adult length

5.6–8.2 cm

Minimum tank

81 L

Water layer

Bottom-dwelling

Difficulty

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand

Origin

Korean Peninsula

Species overview

Cobitidae species Iksookimia longicorpa comes from Korean Peninsula. A sand-sifting bottom resident most active after the lights fade. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 5.6–8.2 cm. Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. Choose sand over gravel, feed after dusk, and keep ammonia at zero — loaches punish neglect visibly. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.

Native biotope

Habitat

Sandy stretches of slow rivers

Flow

Gentle current

Dissolved O₂

Tolerates moderate oxygen levels

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate

Fine sand for burrowing

Hardscape

Smooth stones and driftwood caves

Plants

Low-light tolerant plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling

Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy

Diet

Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods

Recommended tankmates

• Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict

Avoid keeping with

• Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism

Females noticeably plumper when mature

Breeding method

Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned