Eight-whiskered stone loach (Lefua costata)

Family: Nemacheilidae

A peaceful omnivore nemacheilidae from Japan — moderate care.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–22 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
6.9–9.8 cm
Minimum tank
98 L
Water layer
Bottom; rests and forages low
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful
Origin
Japan

Species overview

Lefua costata, a member of the family Nemacheilidae, comes from Japan, where it inhabits clear streams, rivers and still waters. Peaceful and omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety, it grows to 6.9–9.8 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 18–22 °C range. Other Lefua species in our database include Lefua echigonia, Lefua nikkonis.

Native biotope

Habitat
Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow
Moderate flow
Dissolved O₂
Average oxygen needs

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Smooth gravel and sand with open floor space
Hardscape
Driftwood, water-worn stones and shelters that mimic the native biotope
Plants
Hardy plants on hardscape; keep the floor open

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Solitary, pairs or small groups
Diet
Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety
Recommended tankmates
  • Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs
  • China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs
  • Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk
  • Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes

Frequently asked questions

Is Eight-whiskered stone loach easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful. Solitary, pairs or small groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does Eight-whiskered stone loach need?

Set the heater to 18–22 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Eight-whiskered stone loach get, and what tank size?

Expect 6.9–9.8 cm as an adult, living bottom; rests and forages low. A 98 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Eight-whiskered stone loach eat?

Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Eight-whiskered stone loach live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Peaceful — pair it with Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs and skip Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.

Where does Eight-whiskered stone loach come from?

Native to Japan, where it lives in clear streams, rivers and still waters. Moderate flow; Average oxygen needs.

How does Eight-whiskered stone loach breed?

Spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.