Flat-headed loach (Oreonectes platycephalus)

Care parameters

Water temperature

18–26 °C

pH

6.5–7.5

GH hardness

5–15 dGH

Adult length

7.5–11 cm

Minimum tank

145 L

Water layer

Bottom-dwelling

Difficulty

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand

Origin

cave waters of Guangxi, China

Species overview

Oreonectes platycephalus, a member of the family Nemacheilidae, is native to cave waters of Guangxi, China. 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 7.5–11 cm. Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. 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. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.

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

• 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

Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned