Crossostoma lacustre
Summary
Scientific name: Crossostoma lacustre (Steindachner, 1908)
Common name: Tasseled-mouth loach
Synonyms: Formosania lacustre
Distribution: Taiwan
Sexual Dimorphism: Females are probably more plump than males and tend to be larger in size.
Maximum size: 4.5 inches (12cm)
Similar to: Other Crossostoma species and Vanmanenia species.
Above: underwater photograph of C. lacustre, taken in Bei Shih (Bei River) near Pinlin, Taiwan - courtesy of Gerhard Ott.
Care: Typical hillstream loach conditions. This species needs clean, well oxygenated water with a strong flow. There should be plenty of of flat stones on which this fish can rest. While plants are not found extensively in its habitat of swift flowing, rocky bottomed hillstreams, Crossostoma lacustre will use them for resting and grazing in the aquarium.
See: Hillstream Loaches - The Specialists at Life In The Fast Lane
for further details of aquarium setup.
Lighting should be strong enough to encourage some algae growth.
Above: underwater photograph, showing C. lacustre together with the cyprinid Acrossocheilus paradoxus - courtesy of Gerhard Ott.
Feeding: Crossostoma lacustre eats a wide variety of foods in the aquarium. Bloodworms, brine shrimp, most pelleted foods, as well as blanched spinach and kale leaves will be readily accepted. Some algae is also important in the diet.
Water parameters: pH:6.4 -7.5 Hardness: medium Max dh:
Temperature: 68 ºF to 76 ºF (20-25°C)
Breeding: This species has not been bred in the aquarium.
Above: Map of Taiwan, showing the locality of C. lacustre.
Notes
This species is most commonly imported as a contaminant in shipments of other Chinese hillstreams although it may come in under its common name, too.
Above photo credit: Shao, Kwang-Tsao (used with permission).
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