The Moose-face Loach (Vanmanenia sp., often Vanmanenia crassicauda or Vanmanenia pingchowensis) is an unusual and fascinating freshwater loach known for its distinctively broad, flat head—resembling the muzzle of a moose—and its active, bottom-feeding behavior. Growing to 8–12cm, this species thrives in cool, fast-flowing, oxygen-rich aquariums that mimic its natural mountain stream habitat.

Native to the rivers of China and Southeast Asia, Moose-face Loaches are specialized algae grazers and scavengers. Their flattened body and wide pectoral fins help them cling to rocks in strong currents, making them excellent candidates for river-style setups with smooth stones, sand, and plenty of flow.

🐠 Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Vanmanenia sp.

• Common Name: Moose-face Loach

• Size: 8–12cm

• Temperament: Peaceful, shy, bottom-dwelling

• Tank Zone: Bottom

• Difficulty Level: Intermediate

• Behavior: Algae grazer, thrives in groups

🌊 Water Conditions

Moose-face Loaches are river dwellers and need cool, clean water with constant movement and high oxygen content.

• Temperature: 18–24°C (64–75°F)

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• Hardness: 4–12 dGH

• Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum

• Filtration: Strong, with directional flow

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth river stones

• Decor: Rounded rocks, driftwood, river pebbles, and plants like Anubias or Java Fern

Their setup should replicate a shallow, rocky stream with gentle lighting and plenty of algae surfaces.

🐟 Tank Mates

Moose-face Loaches are peaceful and can live with other cool-water and flow-loving species.

Great tank mates include:

• Hillstream loaches

• White Cloud Mountain Minnows

• Danios (Zebra, Kyathit, Glowlight)

• Smaller barbs (e.g., Rosy Barbs in low numbers)

• Amano shrimp or Nerite snails

Avoid:

• Warm-water tropical species

• Aggressive or territorial fish

• Slow-bottom dwellers that compete for space

They are social with their own kind, so keeping 3 or more is recommended to reduce stress.

🍽️ Feeding Habits

These loaches are algae grazers and omnivores that need a mixed diet of plant-based and protein-rich foods.

Ideal foods:

• Algae wafers and spirulina pellets

• Sinking micro-pellets

• Frozen or live daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms

• Repashy gel food

• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)

Feed once or twice daily, and allow time for them to graze peacefully on rock and glass surfaces.

🧼 Care Tips:

• Perform weekly water changes (30–40%) to maintain pristine quality

• Maintain strong flow to simulate river conditions

• Use a soft substrate or smooth stones to avoid injury to their belly and mouth

• Ensure well-oxygenated water via air stones or powerheads

• Provide ample shaded areas and natural algae growth

Due to their bottom-dwelling habits and sensitivity to poor water, they’re best suited for mature, established aquariums.

🌿 Why Choose the Moose-face Loach?

With its unique facial structure, peaceful personality, and natural algae-grazing behavior, the Moose-face Loach is an excellent choice for aquarists looking to set up a cool-water river tank. Whether you're an aquascaper or a species collector, this loach brings a distinctive look and ecological balance to the aquarium floor.

Add charm and character to your aquarium—welcome the Moose-face Loach today!