Lepidocephalus macrochir Profile*x

[Graeme Robson]

*work in progress*

Scientific name: Lepidocephalus macrochir (Bleeker, 1854)

Common name: None.

Synonyms: Lepidocephalichthys pallens, Lepidocephalus pallens, Cobitis macrochir

Distribution: Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia

Sexual Dimorphism: None known

Maximum size: 3.5 Inches (9cm)

Similar to: Can often be mistaken as a Pangio oblonga. <<LINK

Care: A peaceful loach that likes lots of hiding places with soft substrate. This species is a very active burrower to the point where many owners only see their face/eyes beneath the sand substrate. Sand substrate will be best to protect their delicate skin. Also found in mountain streams with higher flow over gravel and rock. The aquarium should feature good filtration with some water movement. Best kept in groups. Three fish is the recommended minimum that should be kept together. At times they like each other's company when sheltering under plants and bogwood. At times they prefer to be left alone while they burrow under the substrate.

Feeding: Easily fed. Accepts good quality flake, sinking pellets, thawed frozen mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, daphnia etc.

Water parameters: pH:6.5 -7.5 Hardness: Medium Soft to Medium Max dh range:5

Temperature: 72ºF to 80ºF (22-27°C)

Breeding: None reported in aquarium

Notes: They are peaceful and are a good aquarium fish, but seldom exported for the aquarium trade.


Caption: A gift fish from Chaiwut. Lepidocephalus macrochir
Credit: Hwchoy (Used with permission)


Caption: A gift fish from Chaiwut. Close up image of Lepidocephalus macrochir
Credit: Hwchoy (Used with permission)

[Martin Thoene]

This must be part of your picture negotiations? Way cool. Look at the size o' the hid on that thing! It's lak a melon!

Martin.

[Graeme Robson]

I've added it as a new species in the old index.

Correct, Martin.

[Martin Thoene]

I already did, down the bottom where new species are supposed to go

Never mind

Martin.

[Graeme Robson]

Ta!