Description

🐟 Rosy Loach (Petruichthys sp. rosy) Care Guide

Quick Overview

• Scientific name: Petruichthys sp.

• Common names: Rosy Loach, Pink Loach

• Size: 1–1.25 inches (2.5–3 cm)

• Lifespan: 4–6 years

• Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate

• Temperament: Peaceful, social

• Origin: Myanmar (Burma)

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🛖 Tank Setup

• Tank size: 10 gallons (38 L) minimum (bigger is better for a group)

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel (they like to dig and sift!)

• Plants: Dense planting — Java fern, Anubias, mosses, Vallisneria, etc.

• Decor: Driftwood, rocks, caves — lots of hiding spots

• Flow: Moderate — they enjoy a little current

• Lighting: Low to medium (plants and fish both prefer it a bit dim)

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🌡️ Water Parameters

• Stable, clean water is key.

• They’re hardy but still appreciate good maintenance.

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🐟 Behavior and Tank Mates

• Schooling fish: Keep 6–10+ — they are much happier in groups.

• Tank mates:

  • Other peaceful fish (e.g., small rasboras, tetras, dwarf corys, other small loaches)

  • Shrimp-safe (usually, though they might pick at tiny baby shrimp)

• Personality: Curious, active, but a little shy without cover and friends.

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🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivores — micro-predators

• Primary food: High-quality micro-pellets, sinking wafers

• Favorite treats: Live or frozen foods like daphnia, baby brine shrimp, bloodworms

• Supplements: Crushed flakes, algae wafers, blanched veggies occasionally

They have small mouths, so tiny foods are best!

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🚿 Care Tips

• Good filtration is important, but avoid blasting flow.

• Weekly water changes (20–30%) keep them healthy.

• Soft sand substrate helps prevent barbel (whisker) damage.

• Provide lots of plants and hides to make them feel safe and bring out their color.

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❌ Common Mistakes

• Keeping too few — they get stressed and dull when alone.

• Using sharp substrate — can hurt their delicate barbels.

• Overfeeding fatty foods — keep a balanced diet.

• Not covering the tank — they can jump!

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🎯 Fun Fact

Rosy Loaches are one of the smallest loach species in the hobby — perfect for nano tanks with a gentle setup!

🐟✨ Ideal Rosy Loach Community Tank Combo

Tank size: 15–20 gallons (or bigger)

Plants:

• Java Fern

• Cryptocoryne

• Dwarf Sagittaria

• Anubias Nana

• Mosses (like Christmas Moss)

Decor:

• Smooth rocks, small caves, driftwood branches

• Leaf litter (like Catappa leaves) for natural tannins

Notes:

• Keep the current gentle with some flowy spots.

• Add floating plants like Frogbit or Salvinia for dappled lighting.

• Cover the tank — loaches can jump!

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🍽️ Simple Rosy Loach Feeding Schedule

Tips:

• Feed just enough that they eat everything in 2–3 minutes.

• Remove uneaten food after 10–15 minutes.

• Variety = color, health, and happy behavior.