Blind Cave Loach — a Nemacheilidae from cave waters of W Asia, peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal. Reaches 9.8–14.4 cm; sociable; keep 4–6 so night-time activity stays confident. 18–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
9.8–14.4 cm
Minimum tank
249 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful, sociable and slightly nocturnal
Origin
cave waters of W Asia
Species overview
Nemacheilus troglocataractus, a member of the family Nemacheilidae, is native to cave waters of W Asia. Half of its life happens after dark; give it fine sand and it will reward you with natural foraging. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 9.8–14.4 cm. Sociable; keep 4–6 so night-time activity stays confident. Use a soft sand bed and feed sinking foods; coarse gravel wears down its sensory barbels. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Best suited to a keeper who can match its natural water.
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