The "moose face loach" is a name used for the Moose Face Loach (Canthophrys gongota), an aquarium fish known for its ability to burrow in fine sand and sift through it for food. It is an omnivore and micropredator, reaching about 4.5 inches in adulthood, and has a sandy or yellowish-brown body with an elongated shape and several pairs of barbels around its mouth.
Physical characteristics
Body: Elongated and narrow, with an irregular pattern of black markings on a beige or yellowish-brown background.
Size: Reaches about 4.5 inches in length.
Fins: Not specifically noted as distinct in descriptions, but loaches in general have pectoral fins and anal fins.
Barbels: Possesses several pairs of whisker-like barbels around the mouth, used for detecting food.Scales: Like other loaches, it has tiny, embedded scales.
Behavior and habitat
Behavior: A bottom-dweller that enjoys burrowing into a fine sand substrate, often leaving only its eyes visible. It is generally active and can be seen sifting through the substrate for food.
Habitat: Native to slow-moving waters in northern India.
Tank requirements: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended.
Diet
Natural diet: Sifts through sand to eat tiny invertebrates.
Aquarium diet: Will readily accept most prepared foods, including frozen and flake varieties.
Other facts
Scientific name: Canthophrys gongota.
Other names: Moose Head Loach, Gongota Loach, or Somileptus gongota.
Temperament: Generally considered peaceful.
Care level: Moderate.
The "moose face loach" is a name used for the Moose Face Loach (Canthophrys gongota), an aquarium fish known for its ability to burrow in fine sand and sift through it for food. It is an omnivore and micropredator, reaching about 4.5 inches in adulthood, and has a sandy or yellowish-brown body with an elongated shape and several pairs of barbels around its mouth.
Physical characteristics
Body: Elongated and narrow, with an irregular pattern of black markings on a beige or yellowish-brown background.
Size: Reaches about 4.5 inches in length.
Fins: Not specifically noted as distinct in descriptions, but loaches in general have pectoral fins and anal fins.
Barbels: Possesses several pairs of whisker-like barbels around the mouth, used for detecting food.Scales: Like other loaches, it has tiny, embedded scales.
Behavior and habitat
Behavior: A bottom-dweller that enjoys burrowing into a fine sand substrate, often leaving only its eyes visible. It is generally active and can be seen sifting through the substrate for food.
Habitat: Native to slow-moving waters in northern India.
Tank requirements: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended.
Diet
Natural diet: Sifts through sand to eat tiny invertebrates.
Aquarium diet: Will readily accept most prepared foods, including frozen and flake varieties.
Other facts
Scientific name: Canthophrys gongota.
Other names: Moose Head Loach, Gongota Loach, or Somileptus gongota.
Temperament: Generally considered peaceful.
Care level: Moderate.
