{"product_id":"stone-loach-freshwater-bottom-dwelling-loach","title":"Stone Loach","description":"\u003cp\u003eMost loaches are social and do best in groups. Please check adult size before purchasing, as species like clown loaches and dojo loaches need much larger aquariums than kuhli loaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStone Loaches\u003c\/strong\u003e are peaceful freshwater bottom-dwelling fish known for their slender bodies, natural patterning, and active foraging behavior. These loaches spend most of their time exploring the bottom of the aquarium, searching through sand, smooth gravel, rocks, and décor for leftover foods and small edible particles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStone Loaches are best suited for aquariums with clean, well-oxygenated water, gentle to moderate flow, and plenty of hiding areas. They are a great choice for hobbyists who enjoy natural-style aquariums with river rock, driftwood, leaf litter, and smooth substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful freshwater bottom-dwelling loach\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreat for natural-style aquariums and river-inspired setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActive forager that explores the substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnjoys sand, smooth gravel, rocks, caves, and driftwood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest kept in clean, well-oxygenated water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan be kept with peaceful community fish of similar water requirements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInteresting natural coloration and behavior\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMax Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Around 4–6 inches depending on species and conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30 gallons or larger recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60–72°F preferred for many stone loach types\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5–7.8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore \/ bottom feeder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bottom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTank Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStone Loaches do best in aquariums with smooth substrate and plenty of places to hide. A sand or smooth gravel bottom is preferred to protect their barbels and underside while they forage. Add smooth river stones, driftwood, caves, plants, and shaded areas to help them feel secure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause they prefer clean and oxygen-rich water, good filtration and regular water changes are important. Avoid sharp gravel or rough décor that could injure their body or barbels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStone Loaches are bottom-feeding omnivores and should be offered a varied diet. They may eat sinking pellets, wafers, frozen foods, live foods, and small meaty foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSinking pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBottom feeder wafers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen bloodworms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDaphnia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRepashy gel foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall live foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStone Loaches are peaceful and can be kept with other calm fish that enjoy similar water conditions. Good tank mates may include peaceful minnows, danios, white cloud mountain minnows, hillstream loaches, small barbs, and other non-aggressive community fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid large aggressive fish, fin nippers, or fish that may outcompete them heavily for food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAre Stone Loaches good community fish?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, Stone Loaches are generally peaceful and can work well in community aquariums with calm fish that prefer similar water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo Stone Loaches eat algae?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStone Loaches may graze while foraging, but they should not be purchased as an algae eater. They need a proper diet of sinking foods, frozen foods, and small live foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo Stone Loaches need sand?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSand or smooth gravel is recommended. Avoid sharp gravel because Stone Loaches spend most of their time on the bottom and can damage their barbels or underside on rough substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAre Stone Loaches tropical fish?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany Stone Loaches prefer cooler, well-oxygenated water rather than very warm tropical temperatures. They are best for aquariums kept around the low 60s to low 70s°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big do Stone Loaches get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost Stone Loaches reach around 4–6 inches, depending on species, diet, and aquarium conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat do Stone Loaches eat?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey eat sinking pellets, wafers, frozen foods, live foods, and small meaty foods. They should be fed after lights dim if faster fish are eating all the food first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo Stone Loaches need strong flow?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey appreciate clean, oxygen-rich water with gentle to moderate flow. Strong filtration and good surface movement are helpful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan Stone Loaches live with goldfish?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey may tolerate cooler water, but they should only be kept with peaceful goldfish if the tank is large, clean, and the loach is not at risk of being outcompeted or bothered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStone Loaches are sensitive to poor water quality and should only be added to a fully cycled aquarium. Always research exact species requirements, as common names can vary. Availability, size, and appearance may vary by shipment.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53829871861973,"sku":null,"price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/stone-loach-freshwater-bottom-dwelling-loach","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}