Edit Lepidocephalus macrochir
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Name
Scientific name
Lepidocephalus macrochir
Described by
Authority Bleeker, Year 1854, Bracketed
Family
Cobitidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 5 credited
Summary
Lepidocephalus macrochir is a cobitid loach described from Sumatra and since recorded from Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Java and Borneo. …
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
90mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 75 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 22–26°C, pH 5.5–7.5
Hardness
2–10dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Borneo, Java, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Barito, Chao Phraya, Enim, Kapuas, Lematang, Pahang, Solo
Writing
Etymology
Lepidocephalus: from the Greek lepis, meaning 'scale', and kephalus, meaning 'head'.
Distribution
The distribution records for this species are somewhat confusing. It was described from the Lamatang and Enim rivers, Palambang Province, Sumatra and has since…
Habitat
Little information is available. Although sometimes said to be a cave loach Thai collectors have reported it to inhabit deep water and that it can only be caug…
Aquarium size
Base dimensions of 75 ∗ 30 cm or more are required.
Maintenance
Must be provided with a soft, sandy substrate since some of its time is spent completely buried. When coarser gravel is used it may become stressed or damage i…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Probably a micropredator feeding on insect larvae, small crustaceans and suchlike in nature. In the aquarium it will accept sinking dried foods but should also…
Behaviour and compatibility
Peaceful both with conspecifics and other fishes and there exist no reports of it harming tankmates though it may prey on eggs or fry. It fares best in the pre…
Sexual dimorphism
The second pectoral-fin ray is extended in sexually mature males while females are likely to be deeper-bodied, especially when full of eggs.
Reproduction
Unreported in captivity.
Notes
This species is only available in the aquarium trade sporadically and tends to be expensive. It's traded under various names including 'pinky loach', 'deep wat…
References
References
8 on this profile