Rosy Loaches | Nemacheilus sp.

Rosy Loaches (Petruichthys sp. “Rosy”) are tiny, active fish that reach only 1–1.25 inches. They show bright red to orange hues on a slim, classic loach body and can look a bit like Cherry Barbs in color and shape. In our experience, they’re peaceful but bold. The Rosy Loach thrives for us in large species only tanks of 50 or more. If you’re planning to keep this loach, aim for groups of at least four; singles or pairs can become withdrawn since they’re so social.

Rosy Loach Diet

We feed Rosy Loaches NorthFin Flake Foods, especially Kelp Flake, and small pellets. We grind 3 to 4 different NorthFin pellet types into tiny pieces to fit their very small mouths. As a treat, we offer frozen cyclops and daphnia. Small meals once or twice a day work great.

Water Parameters for Rosy Loaches

We keep Rosy Loaches in a pH 7.2–7.6, GH 4–8, KH 2–4, and 70–74°F. They’ve been very hardy for us and adjust well to slightly harder water. We mix tap with RO water then add Shrimpy GH+ to dial things in. Our final TDS is around 180. Keeping their aquarium clean with steady parameters is the most essential step to ensure Rosy Loaches thrive.

Our Tank Parameters:

• Ph: 7.2 to 7.6
• Gh: 4 to 8
• Kh:  2 to 4
• Temp: 70 to 74