Somileptus gongota

Alternative names

 * Gongota Loach,, , ,

Sexing

 * Difficult to sex visually. Not known to be bred in captivity.

Tank compatibility

 * The Gongota Loach is a shy fish that should not be kept with boisterous fish nor fish that may out-compete it to food. Keep this Loach in groups, peaceful top-dwelling fish will work.

Diet

 * This fish is very challenging to feed. They are bottom-dwelling filter feeders who will sift through the sand for food such as small crustaceans or planaria. These fish can easily starve in captivity and can be difficult to wean on to suitable foods such as daphnia. Once settled they may take flake foods.

Feeding regime

 * Feed two or three times a day.

Environment Specifics

 * In the wild these fish are found in slow-moving streams with soft sand, small gravel or mud substrate. These fish should be kept in a similar style tank in captivity. The tank must be mature as they are sensitive to water parameters. Décor can include bogwood and river-worn stone, but these must be secure so that the Loach does not bury underneath and cause a cave in. A good two to three inchs of sand should be provided for them to bury in.

Behaviour

 * A shy peaceful Loach that will spend a lot of its time hidden.

Identification

 * An elongated Loach with a large head but slender body. The belly is pale but the top half of the body is mottled grey-brown with some horizontal bars.