Ainu Eight Barbeled Loach (Lefua nikkonis)

Family: Nemacheilidae

Ainu Eight Barbeled Loach — a Nemacheilidae from Japan, peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Reaches 6–8.8 cm; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. 15–25 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 15–25 °C
pH: 6.8–7.5
GH hardness: 8–18 dGH
Adult length: 6–8.8 cm
Minimum tank: 93 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand
Origin: Japan

Species overview

Lefua nikkonis is a Nemacheilidae from Japan. In the wild it prefers hill-streams and riffles over pebbles; in the aquarium it stays peaceful bottom-dweller. Plan on 6–8.8 cm of adult fish at 15–25 °C. Related profiles: Lefua costata, Lefua echigonia.

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: 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 rounder-bodied
Breeding method: Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned

Frequently asked questions

Is Ainu Eight Barbeled Loach easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy.

What temperature and water chemistry does Ainu Eight Barbeled Loach need?

Hold 15–25 °C and keep it stable — 15–25 °C recorded range. Cooler, stable range preferred.

How big does Ainu Eight Barbeled Loach get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 6–8.8 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 93 litres.

What does Ainu Eight Barbeled Loach eat?

Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Ainu Eight Barbeled Loach live with other fish?

Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. Good company: Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict. Keep away from Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters.

Where does Ainu Eight Barbeled Loach come from?

Its home waters are Japan — hill-streams and riffles over pebbles, with strong, well-oxygenated current.

How does Ainu Eight Barbeled Loach breed?

In the aquarium: spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned. Females rounder-bodied.