Hasselt’s Sand Loach (Lepidocephalichthys hasselti)
Hasselt’s Sand Loach (Lepidocephalichthys hasselti) is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Hasselt’s Sand Loach (Lepidocephalichthys hasselti)
Hasselt’s Sand Loach (Lepidocephalichthys hasselti)
Description
Description
Common Name: Hasselt’s Sand Loach
Family: Cobitidae
Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Adult Size: 5–6 cm
Temperament: Peaceful, active bottom‑dweller
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Lifespan: 5–8 years
Overview
Lepidocephalichthys hasselti is a small, peaceful sand loach known for its constant foraging behavior and ability to sift through fine substrates. Unlike the eel‑shaped Pangio loaches, this species has a shorter, more cylindrical body, similar to dwarf chain loaches but far more peaceful. They do very well in community tanks and are excellent for cleaning leftover food from the substrate.
Appearance
- Tan to light brown base colour
- Fine dark speckling and subtle horizontal shading
- Short, slightly compressed body with a rounded head
- Small barbels around the mouth for sifting sand
- Females tend to be slightly rounder when mature
Behaviour
- Very peaceful and social — best in groups of 4–6+
- Constantly sifts sand for micro‑foods
- Active during the day, unlike many loaches
- Great in planted tanks
- Completely shrimp‑safe
They enjoy digging and will often partially bury themselves in soft sand.
Tank Requirements
| Requirement | Ideal |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 20 gallons or larger |
| Substrate | Soft sand (important) |
| Temperature | 22–28°C |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderate |
| Flow | Gentle to moderate |
| Lid | Tight (can jump when startled) |
Aquascaping Tips
- Lots of wood, plants, and shaded areas
- Smooth rocks and caves
- Fine sand to protect barbels
- Moderate leaf litter beneficial but not required
Diet
Omnivorous and easy to feed.
Preferred Foods
- Sinking micro‑pellets
- Repashy gel foods
- Frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms
- Live worms (microworms, grindal)
- Flake foods (after sinking)
They sift constantly, so multiple small feedings work best.
Tankmates
Extremely community‑friendly.
Good tankmates:
- Tetras, rasboras, danios
- Small barbs (non‑nippy)
- Gouramis
- Other peaceful loaches
- Corydoras
- Shrimp and snails
Avoid:
- Large or predatory fish
- Very boisterous species that outcompete for food
Breeding
Breeding L. hasselti in aquaria is rare.
Key notes:
- Egg‑scattering behaviour
- Dense plants or spawning mops help
- Conditioning with live foods required
- Fry are very small and need infusoria/greenwater
Specifications
Specifications
-
CategoryLoaches
-
Species TypeHillstream Loach
-
Water Temperature
-
Minimum Tank Size20 Gallons
-
Water pH LevelAcidic, Neutral
-
Habitat PreferencePlanted Tanks, Rocky Tanks, Driftwood
-
BehaviourCommunity Fish, Bottom-Dwelling, Shoaling, Algae Eaters
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