Ainu Eight Barbeled Loach (Lefua nikkonis)

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

From the waters of Japan comes Lefua nikkonis, a member of the family Nemacheilidae. A sand-sifting bottom resident most active after the lights fade. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 6–8.8 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 15–25 °C at pH 6.8–7.5. Undemanding once its core needs are met.

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