Hotoke Loach (Lefua echigonia)

Family: Nemacheilidae

Hotoke Loach — a Nemacheilidae from Japan, peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal. Reaches 5.3–7.8 cm; sociable; keep 4–6 so night-time activity stays confident. 18–22 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 18–22 °C
pH: 6.8–7.5
GH hardness: 8–18 dGH
Adult length: 5.3–7.8 cm
Minimum tank: 73 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal
Origin: Japan

Species overview

Lefua echigonia is a Nemacheilidae from Japan. In the wild it prefers hill-streams and riffles over pebbles; in the aquarium it stays peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal. Plan on 5.3–7.8 cm of adult fish at 18–22 °C. Related profiles: Lefua costata, Lefua nikkonis.

Native biotope

Habitat: Hill-streams and riffles over pebbles
Flow: Strong, well-oxygenated current
Dissolved O₂: Requires well-oxygenated water

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate: Smooth pebbles and coarse sand
Hardscape: Stacked stones forming crevices
Plants: Anubias and other hardy attachers

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling: Sociable; keep 4–6 so night-time activity stays confident
Diet: Omnivore that appreciates live or frozen treats
Recommended tankmates: Small calm cyprinids — Occupy a different water layer
Avoid keeping with: Large predators — Loaches are on the menu

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Females rounder-bodied
Breeding method: Scatters eggs among fine plants; no aftercare

Frequently asked questions

Is Hotoke Loach easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Hotoke Loach need?

Hold 18–22 °C and keep it stable — 18.0–22.0 °C typical for the genus. Cooler, stable range preferred.

How big does Hotoke Loach get, and what tank size?

Full size is 5.3–7.8 cm. Minimum tank: 73 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Hotoke Loach eat?

Omnivore that appreciates live or frozen treats. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Hotoke Loach live with other fish?

Peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal; sociable; keep 4–6 so night-time activity stays confident. Good company: Small calm cyprinids — Occupy a different water layer. Keep away from Large predators — Loaches are on the menu.

Where does Hotoke Loach come from?

Comes from Japan: hill-streams and riffles over pebbles. Expect strong, well-oxygenated current and requires well-oxygenated water.

How does Hotoke Loach breed?

Scatters eggs among fine plants; no aftercare. Females rounder-bodied.