Banana Loach
Acantopsis choirorhynchos
More commonly known in the hobby as the Horseface Loach, the 'Banana Loach' is a highly specialized, elongated bottom-dweller. They are famous for completely burying themselves in the substrate with only their eyes protruding to watch for predators or prey. A soft, deep sand bed is absolutely mandatory; sharp gravel will severely damage their bodies and sensitive barbels.
Banana Loach At a Glance
Banana Loach Tank Requirements
Will Banana Loach fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Banana Loach needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Banana Loach against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Banana Loach Water Parameters
Banana Loach Temperament & Compatibility
Banana Loach Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Adult / Standard
The fully grown adult. Due to their long, rigid bodies and burrowing habits, they require a substantial tank footprint (at least 4 feet long) with deep, soft sand.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult Horseface, Full Grown
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Juveniles are commonly sold in the trade at a small size (around 2-3 inches). While they can temporarily reside in smaller aquariums, they will grow fast initially and eventually require a large tank with deep sand.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Loach, Small Horseface
Banana Loach Care Guide Summary
The Banana Loach, scientifically known as Acantopsis choirorhynchos, belongs to the Loaches family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 22 cm and have a eel body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Banana Loach requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.8 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Banana Loach is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Adult / Standard and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Banana Loach Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Banana Loach, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Banana Loach Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Banana Loach is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Banana Loach Is Actually For
Banana Loach is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially sand.
The most common mistake is treating Banana Loach like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.
Banana Loach Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Banana Loach.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Loach
How big does Banana Loach get?
Banana Loach (Acantopsis choirorhynchos) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 22 cm. They have a eel body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Banana Loach need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Banana Loach. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Banana Loach need?
Banana Loach thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.8, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Banana Loach peaceful or aggressive?
Banana Loach is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Banana Loach live alone?
Yes, Banana Loach can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Banana Loach have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Banana Loach benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- April 29, 2026
- Last updated
- April 29, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Banana Loach
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Banana Loach based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Lyretail Killifish
Aphyosemion australe
Ideal Tank MatesGreen Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon simulans
Ideal Tank MatesGarnet Tetra
Hemigrammus pulcher
Ideal Tank MatesMoonlight Gourami
Trichogaster microlepis
Ideal Tank MatesDwarf Rasbora
Boraras maculatus
Ideal Tank MatesFestivum
Mesonauta festivus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Banana Loach
These plants pair well with Banana Loach based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Christmas Moss
Vesicularia montagnei
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Fish Similar to Banana Loach
Sumo Loach
Schistura balteata
The Sumo Loach is a fascinating, highly active bottom dweller native to fast-flowing hillstreams in Myanmar. Named for their aggressive, 'wrestling' matches over territory, they require highly oxygenated water, strong flow, and plenty of visual barriers like smooth river stones. They are highly intolerant of conspecifics and other bottom dwellers in small tanks.
Yoyo Loach
Botia almorhae
A popular, energetic, and boisterous bottom dweller native to the slow-moving and still waters of the Ganges basin (India/Pakistan). Named 'Yoyo' because the dark reticulated patterns on juveniles often resemble the letters Y-O-Y-O. As they mature, the pattern becomes a complex mosaic. They are excellent snail eaters but can be semi-aggressive/boisterous, making them unsuitable for shy or long-finned tank mates.
Black Kuhli Loach
Pangio oblonga
A peaceful, eel-like bottom dweller known for its solid dark brown to black coloration. Like other Kuhli loaches, they are strictly nocturnal scavengers that require a fine sand substrate to burrow and sift through without damaging their delicate barbels. They are highly social and must be kept in groups to feel secure and exhibit natural behaviors.
Zebra Loach
Botia striata
A highly active, beautifully striped bottom dweller endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Unlike some larger botiid loaches, the Zebra Loach is peaceful and stays relatively small, making it an excellent community fish. They are highly social, strict schooling fish that establish complex pecking orders. They are also famous for being voracious consumers of pest snails.
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii
A remarkably peaceful, eel-like bottom dweller native to the slow-moving forest streams of Southeast Asia. Famous for its orange and dark brown banding, the Kuhli Loach is an excellent scavenger. They are notoriously shy and nocturnal, requiring dense planting, leaf litter, and most importantly, a soft sand substrate to burrow in without damaging their delicate barbels. They must be kept in groups to feel secure and prevent severe stress.
Hillstream Loach
Beaufortia leveretti
A fascinating bottom-dweller adapted to fast-flowing mountain streams in Asia. It features a unique, flattened body allowing it to cling to smooth rocks in heavy currents. It requires highly oxygenated, cooler water (18-24°C) with strong flow. Often confused or mislabeled in the trade with its smaller, more common cousin, Beaufortia kweichowensis. They are specialized grazers that feed heavily on biofilm and algae.