Last updated on September 14th, 2022 at 05:20 pm
The golden loach, also known as Sabanejewia, is an uncommon freshwater fish species that can be found in the streams and rivers of South Asia. They are typically light golden in color with a black stripe running down their back, but this may vary depending on location. The golden loach has been observed to live for up to 10 years, which makes them among the longest-living fish species known today.
Golden loaches are a type of fish that is native to Asia. They can grow up to 12 inches long and live around 4-5 years. These fish-like water temperatures are between 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit and do not thrive in colder climates.
The golden loach has been bred with other types of fish such as zebra danios and guppies to create new breeds for the aquarium hobbyist market.
Origin and description
The golden loach (Sabanejewia) is a fish of the carp family (Cyprinidae) found in rivers and lakes in southeastern Europe. It is a small fish, typically about 15 cm long, but can reach up to 25 cm. The body is deep and elongated with a blunt head and large eyes.
The coloration is metallic gold or green dorsally, grading to silver or white ventrally. There are two black spots on the dorsal fin and one on the caudal peduncle. The golden loach is a bottom-dwelling fish that feeds mainly on insects but also eats plants and smaller fishes.
The golden loach is a popular aquarium fish and can be found in pet stores throughout Europe. It is easy to keep and breed in an aquarium, and makes an attractive addition to any tank.
Species profile
The golden loach is a small fish, typically about 15 cm long, but can reach up to 25 cm. The body is deep and elongated with a blunt head and large eyes.
The coloration is metallic gold or green dorsally, grading to silver or white ventrally. There are two black spots on the dorsal fin and one on the caudal peduncle. The golden loach is a bottom-dwelling fish that feeds mainly on insects but also eats plants and smaller fishes.
They are a popular aquarium fish and can be found in pet stores throughout Europe. It is easy to keep and breed in an aquarium, and makes an attractive addition to any tank
Scientific name
The scientific name of the golden loach is sabanejewia
Range and habitat
The golden loach is found in rivers and lakes in southeastern Europe. It lives primarily on the bottom of slow-moving or standing waters, feeding mainly on insects but also plants and smaller fishes
They are a popular aquarium fish that can be found across Europe
Size
Golden loach can grow up to 18 inches.
Tank size
This fish requires a minimum tank size of 30 gallons and should be kept in schools of five or more.
Life cycle
The golden loach has a life cycle that is typical for many fish. Eggs are laid and hatch into larvae, which eventually become juveniles and then adults. The entire process from egg to adult can take anywhere from four to six months. The growth rate is largely dependent on the temperature of the water.
At lower temperatures, it takes longer for golden loach to reach adulthood while at higher temperatures, it can take less than three months.
The life cycle of the golden loach is interesting in that there is a two-year reproductive hiatus for females. During this time, the female does not produce any eggs and instead focuses on growing larger. After two years, the female will start spawning again and will likely live for another three to four years.
Male golden loach, on the other hand, can live up to ten years. Though this is rare as most males only make it to six or seven years of age before they perish.
Are they aggressive or peaceful?
The golden loach can be a very peaceful and non-aggressive fish if housed correctly. If they are kept in an aquarium with other calm, docile species of fish such as bettas or guppies, there should not be any problems at all. However, it is important to ensure the tank mates that you choose for your golden loach are not too large or aggressive, as they may bully the loaches.
If you are looking for a fish that is fun to watch and does not require a lot of maintenance, the golden loach is a great option! They are active fish and will spend most of their time swimming around in search of food.
Golden loach care
In order to keep your golden loach healthy and happy, it is important to provide them with the right care. Here are some tips on how to do just that: The water temperature should be kept at a moderate 68-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Golden loaches thrive in soft water so make sure to use a water conditioner that will soften the water if your tap water is too hard.
You should get a small to medium-sized aquarium for your loaches, between 20 and 30 gallons. It is preferable that they are kept in groups of four or more as this will keep them active and happy!
What they eat
Golden loaches are omnivorous and will eat a variety of food items. They enjoy both live and frozen foods, as well as a good quality pellet or flake diet. Some good options for their diet include bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, tubifex worms, and Hikari Sinking Wafers.
Tank mates
Since they are peaceful fish, golden loaches make good tank mates for many different types of fish. Some good options include other small to medium-sized loaches, tetras, danios, barbs, and corydoras catfish. Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish that may eat them.
Water conditions
The ideal water conditions for the golden loach are a pH level of around six to seven and a water temperature of about 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer slightly acidic water with moderate hardness levels.
Water conditions are important for all fish, but they are especially crucial for the golden loach because this species is very sensitive to changes in its environment.
The golden loach is a schooling fish, so it does best when kept in groups of at least six specimens. A single specimen will become stressed and may not thrive in an aquarium setting.
Breeding
Breeding the golden loach is not especially difficult, but it can be challenging to achieve. The fish spawns throughout the spring and summer months in shallow waters.
The conditions for spawning are relatively easy to mimic—all that’s necessary is a tank with very soft water (soft meaning one part of regular aquarium plant fertilizer per 50 gallons). The water temperature should be around 75-80 degrees fahrenheit, and a few java ferns or other floating plants can be added to the tank for the fish to spawn on.
The eggs will hatch in about three days, and the fry can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or powdered flake food. The fry should be moved to their own aquariums after about a week.
While goldfish are an invasive species in some parts of the world, they do not survive well outside their native range and cannot be released into wild waterways because they will compete with local fish for food and habitat. In many places, it is illegal to release them as well, so if you find yourself no longer wanting your pet goldfish, be sure to find a responsible home for it rather than releasing it into the environment.
Lifespan
The maximum life expectancy for the golden loach is about ten years.
Parasites and diseases
The golden loach can be prone to some parasites and diseases, but most are easy to treat if discovered in time. The fish is very sensitive to medications, so it’s important not to use more than the dosage recommended by your vet or pet store clerk.
One common parasite that affects the golden loach is Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, which causes white spots to form on the skin. This is usually treated with copper sulfate or malachite green.
Another common parasite that can afflict the golden loach is Chilodonella, which will cause a loss of color and fungus-like growth around its mouth and fins. This is treated with a medication called methylene blue or another salt-based antibiotic, as well as regular water changes.
Golden loach disease treatments should only be administered by an experienced aquarist who has been trained in fish medicine and knows how to properly use medications on aquarium fish. The wrong choice of treatment can have deadly consequences if not used properly.
Predators
The golden loach is preyed upon by a wide variety of predators, including fish, turtles, and birds. It’s important to keep the tank well-covered if keeping this species or any other small fish.
In addition to being eaten by other animals, the golden loach can also succumb to diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and other parasites. It is therefore important to keep the water clean and free of pollutants, as well as providing a healthy diet.
Do they make good pets?
Golden loaches can be a rewarding pet for the right aquarist. They require specific water conditions and frequent water changes, so they are not suitable for beginners unless they plan on doing quite a bit of reading up about their new pets beforehand.
They do best in community tanks with other peaceful species that are too big to fit into their mouths, but they can be kept with other loaches or bottom-dwellers of similar size.
Conclusion
The golden loach is a beautiful fish that can add interest and color to any aquarium. With the proper care, they can thrive in an aquarium setting and live for up to ten years. While they are not as hardy as some other species of fish, with a little bit of knowledge and experience, they can make rewarding pets.
