{"product_id":"homatula-loaches","title":"Homatula Loaches","description":"\u003ch2 data-start=\"355\" data-end=\"411\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"355\" data-end=\"411\"\u003eGenus Homatula – Chinese native benthic stream loaches\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"413\" data-end=\"416\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"418\" data-end=\"444\"\u003eI. Basic Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e← Back to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/eiraaquatics.com\/collections\/loach\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"1140\" data-start=\"1121\"\u003eLoach\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (genus overview)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"446\" data-end=\"688\"\u003eCommon name: Homatula loaches\u003cbr\u003eChinaese name: 荷马条鳅 \u003cbr\u003eScientific genus: \u003cstrong data-start=\"496\" data-end=\"508\"\u003eHomatula\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"508\" data-end=\"511\"\u003eFamily \u0026amp; Genus: Cobitidae · Genus Homatula\u003cbr data-start=\"553\" data-end=\"556\"\u003eNative range: Southern and southwestern China\u003cbr data-start=\"601\" data-end=\"604\"\u003eAdult size: 8–15 cm (species dependent)\u003cbr data-start=\"643\" data-end=\"646\"\u003eEcological type: Benthic predatory loach\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"690\" data-end=\"760\"\u003eGenus reference (external):\u003cbr data-start=\"717\" data-end=\"720\"\u003e\u003ca data-start=\"720\" data-end=\"758\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Homatula\"\u003ehttps:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Homatula\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-k5zux585.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"762\" data-end=\"765\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"767\" data-end=\"814\"\u003eII. Species Overview (Ornamental Context)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"816\" data-end=\"1027\"\u003eThe genus \u003cem data-start=\"826\" data-end=\"836\"\u003eHomatula\u003c\/em\u003e contains a relatively large number of endemic species distributed in different river systems of China. The Wikipedia reference linked above lists many additional species within this genus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1029\" data-end=\"1207\"\u003eHowever, \u003cstrong data-start=\"1038\" data-end=\"1126\"\u003eat present, most of these species are not observed in the ornamental aquarium market\u003c\/strong\u003e and lack reliable circulation records. Therefore, they are not discussed here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1209\" data-end=\"1322\"\u003eAmong the species occasionally mentioned in other references, only the following two are sometimes encountered:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1324\" data-end=\"1466\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1324\" data-end=\"1390\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1326\" data-end=\"1390\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Homatula_wujiangensis\u0026amp;action=edit\u0026amp;redlink=1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1326\" data-end=\"1351\"\u003eHomatula wujiangensis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e Ding \u0026amp; Deng, 1990 — Wujiang Homatula\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1391\" data-end=\"1466\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1393\" data-end=\"1466\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Homatula_variegata\u0026amp;action=edit\u0026amp;redlink=1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1393\" data-end=\"1415\"\u003eHomatula variegata\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (Dabry de Thiersant, 1874) — Red-tailed Homatula\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1468\" data-end=\"1570\"\u003eIn this article, the focus is placed on the two forms most commonly seen and discussed in the hobby:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1572\" data-end=\"1674\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1572\" data-end=\"1621\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1574\" data-end=\"1621\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1574\" data-end=\"1595\"\u003eHomatula potanini\u003c\/strong\u003e — Short-bodied Homatula\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1622\" data-end=\"1674\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1624\" data-end=\"1674\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1624\" data-end=\"1648\"\u003eHomatula berezowskii\u003c\/strong\u003e — Berezowski’s Homatula\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1676\" data-end=\"1761\"\u003eThese two forms are used below as the primary reference for morphology and husbandry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1763\" data-end=\"1766\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1768\" data-end=\"1794\"\u003eIII. Natural Habitat\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1796\" data-end=\"1880\"\u003eDistributed in mountain rivers and tributaries of southern and southwestern China.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1882\" data-end=\"1900\"\u003eTypical habitat:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1902\" data-end=\"2113\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1902\" data-end=\"1938\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1904\" data-end=\"1938\"\u003eModerate to fast flowing streams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1939\" data-end=\"1998\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1941\" data-end=\"1998\"\u003eSubstrate dominated by gravel, pebbles, and coarse sand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1999\" data-end=\"2032\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2001\" data-end=\"2032\"\u003eVery limited fine silt or mud\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2033\" data-end=\"2071\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2035\" data-end=\"2071\"\u003eWater temperature commonly 14–24°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2072\" data-end=\"2113\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2074\" data-end=\"2113\"\u003eHigh dissolved oxygen and clear water\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2115\" data-end=\"2217\"\u003eThey occupy the river bottom, moving between stones and gravel beds, remaining close to the substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2219\" data-end=\"2222\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2224\" data-end=\"2279\"\u003eIV. External Morphology (General Characteristics)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2281\" data-end=\"2494\"\u003eBody elongated, cylindrical to slightly compressed\u003cbr data-start=\"2331\" data-end=\"2334\"\u003eHead broad, snout rounded, with multiple pairs of barbels\u003cbr data-start=\"2391\" data-end=\"2394\"\u003eMouth inferior, adapted for benthic feeding\u003cbr data-start=\"2437\" data-end=\"2440\"\u003eFins strong and well developed for bottom locomotion\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2496\" data-end=\"2536\"\u003eTypical body pattern elements include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2537\" data-end=\"2690\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2537\" data-end=\"2598\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2539\" data-end=\"2598\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2539\" data-end=\"2566\"\u003eIrregular fine markings\u003c\/strong\u003e on the head and anterior body\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2599\" data-end=\"2656\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2601\" data-end=\"2656\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2601\" data-end=\"2632\"\u003eVertical pale white stripes\u003c\/strong\u003e on the posterior body\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2657\" data-end=\"2690\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2659\" data-end=\"2690\"\u003eMottled or cloud-like shading\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2692\" data-end=\"2766\"\u003eFin margins often show red pigmentation, forming a key ornamental feature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2768\" data-end=\"2771\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2773\" data-end=\"2802\"\u003eV. Representative Forms\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"2804\" data-end=\"2835\"\u003e1. Short-bodied Homatula\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2836\" data-end=\"2875\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2836\" data-end=\"2857\"\u003eHomatula potanini\u003c\/strong\u003e (Günther, 1896)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2877\" data-end=\"2889\"\u003eBody form:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2890\" data-end=\"2952\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2890\" data-end=\"2910\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2892\" data-end=\"2910\"\u003eShort and robust\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2911\" data-end=\"2952\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2913\" data-end=\"2952\"\u003eThick trunk and relatively large head\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2954\" data-end=\"2980\"\u003ePattern characteristics:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2981\" data-end=\"3289\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2981\" data-end=\"3061\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2983\" data-end=\"3061\"\u003eHead and anterior body densely covered with \u003cstrong data-start=\"3027\" data-end=\"3059\"\u003eirregular fine pale markings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3062\" data-end=\"3129\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3064\" data-end=\"3129\"\u003eMarkings form continuous winding lines, maze-like in appearance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3130\" data-end=\"3226\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3132\" data-end=\"3226\"\u003eFrom the origin of the dorsal fin, markings become \u003cstrong data-start=\"3183\" data-end=\"3224\"\u003epredominantly vertical in orientation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3227\" data-end=\"3289\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3229\" data-end=\"3289\"\u003eLines thicker and more widely spaced on the posterior half\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3291\" data-end=\"3313\"\u003eFin characteristics:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3314\" data-end=\"3434\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3314\" data-end=\"3365\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3316\" data-end=\"3365\"\u003eFirst dorsal fin ray with a distinct red margin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3366\" data-end=\"3434\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3368\" data-end=\"3434\"\u003eUpper and lower margins of the caudal fin clearly edged with red\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3436\" data-end=\"3552\"\u003eOverall appearance:\u003cbr data-start=\"3455\" data-end=\"3458\"\u003eCompact body, dense anterior markings, vertical posterior stripes, and strong red fin margins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3554\" data-end=\"3557\"\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"3559\" data-end=\"3590\"\u003e2. Berezowski’s Homatula\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3591\" data-end=\"3617\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3591\" data-end=\"3615\"\u003eHomatula berezowskii\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3619\" data-end=\"3631\"\u003eBody form:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3632\" data-end=\"3716\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3632\" data-end=\"3689\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3634\" data-end=\"3689\"\u003eMore elongated and slender than the short-bodied form\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3690\" data-end=\"3716\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3692\" data-end=\"3716\"\u003eStreamlined silhouette\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3718\" data-end=\"3744\"\u003ePattern characteristics:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3745\" data-end=\"3925\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3745\" data-end=\"3792\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3747\" data-end=\"3792\"\u003eAnterior body almost unmarked or very faint\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3793\" data-end=\"3879\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3795\" data-end=\"3879\"\u003eFrom behind the dorsal fin, \u003cstrong data-start=\"3823\" data-end=\"3852\"\u003ethin vertical white lines\u003c\/strong\u003e appear at wide intervals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3880\" data-end=\"3925\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3882\" data-end=\"3925\"\u003eNumber of markings limited, spacing large\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3927\" data-end=\"3949\"\u003eFin characteristics:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3950\" data-end=\"4066\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3950\" data-end=\"4011\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3952\" data-end=\"4011\"\u003eOnly a small red mark at the base of the first dorsal ray\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4012\" data-end=\"4066\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4014\" data-end=\"4066\"\u003eCaudal fin uniformly pale red and semi-transparent\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4068\" data-end=\"4158\"\u003eOverall appearance:\u003cbr data-start=\"4087\" data-end=\"4090\"\u003eSlender body, sparse vertical markings, and softly colored red tail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4160\" data-end=\"4163\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4165\" data-end=\"4190\"\u003eVI. Feeding Ecology\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4192\" data-end=\"4237\"\u003eFeeding type: Benthic invertebrate predator\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4239\" data-end=\"4262\"\u003ePrimary natural diet:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"4263\" data-end=\"4358\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4263\" data-end=\"4290\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4265\" data-end=\"4290\"\u003eSmall freshwater shrimp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4291\" data-end=\"4316\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4293\" data-end=\"4316\"\u003eAquatic insect larvae\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4317\" data-end=\"4358\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4319\" data-end=\"4358\"\u003eBenthic worms and micro-invertebrates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4360\" data-end=\"4388\"\u003eRecommended captive foods:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"4389\" data-end=\"4499\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4389\" data-end=\"4418\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4391\" data-end=\"4418\"\u003eFrozen or live bloodworms\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4419\" data-end=\"4435\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4421\" data-end=\"4435\"\u003eBrine shrimp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4436\" data-end=\"4454\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4438\" data-end=\"4454\"\u003eChopped shrimp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4455\" data-end=\"4499\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4457\" data-end=\"4499\"\u003eHigh-quality sinking carnivorous pellets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4501\" data-end=\"4504\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4506\" data-end=\"4534\"\u003eVII. Thermal Tolerance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4536\" data-end=\"4574\"\u003eUpper critical temperature: \u003cstrong data-start=\"4564\" data-end=\"4572\"\u003e28°C\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4576\" data-end=\"4606\"\u003eRecommended long-term range:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"TyagGW_tableContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"group TyagGW_tableWrapper flex flex-col-reverse w-fit\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003ctable data-start=\"4608\" data-end=\"4719\" class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\"\u003e\n\u003cthead data-start=\"4608\" data-end=\"4627\"\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4608\" data-end=\"4627\"\u003e\n\u003cth data-start=\"4608\" data-end=\"4614\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eRange\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth data-start=\"4614\" data-end=\"4627\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody data-start=\"4638\" data-end=\"4719\"\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4638\" data-end=\"4657\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4638\" data-end=\"4646\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003e16–24°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4646\" data-end=\"4657\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eOptimal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4658\" data-end=\"4680\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4658\" data-end=\"4666\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003e25–26°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4666\" data-end=\"4680\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eAcceptable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4681\" data-end=\"4699\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4681\" data-end=\"4686\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003e27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4686\" data-end=\"4699\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eHigh risk\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"4700\" data-end=\"4719\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4700\" data-end=\"4706\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003e≥28°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"4706\" data-end=\"4719\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eDangerous\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4721\" data-end=\"4797\"\u003eHigh temperature is the principal limiting factor for long-term maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4799\" data-end=\"4802\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4804\" data-end=\"4847\"\u003eVIII. Aquarium Maintenance Difficulty\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4849\" data-end=\"4879\"\u003eDifficulty: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4881\" data-end=\"4907\"\u003eKey factors for success:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"4908\" data-end=\"5016\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4908\" data-end=\"4941\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4910\" data-end=\"4941\"\u003eLong-term temperature control\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4942\" data-end=\"4967\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4944\" data-end=\"4967\"\u003eHigh dissolved oxygen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4968\" data-end=\"4987\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4970\" data-end=\"4987\"\u003eClean substrate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4988\" data-end=\"5016\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4990\" data-end=\"5016\"\u003eStable water circulation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"5018\" data-end=\"5021\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5023\" data-end=\"5063\"\u003eIX. Aquarium Setup Recommendations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5065\" data-end=\"5147\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5065\" data-end=\"5078\"\u003eTank size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"5078\" data-end=\"5081\"\u003e60 cm tank: 2–4 individuals\u003cbr data-start=\"5108\" data-end=\"5111\"\u003e90 cm stream tank: 5–8 individuals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5149\" data-end=\"5171\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5149\" data-end=\"5169\"\u003eWater parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"TyagGW_tableContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"group TyagGW_tableWrapper flex flex-col-reverse w-fit\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003ctable data-start=\"5173\" data-end=\"5294\" class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\"\u003e\n\u003cthead data-start=\"5173\" data-end=\"5198\"\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"5173\" data-end=\"5198\"\u003e\n\u003cth data-start=\"5173\" data-end=\"5183\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eParameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth data-start=\"5183\" data-end=\"5198\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eRecommended\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody data-start=\"5209\" data-end=\"5294\"\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"5209\" data-end=\"5232\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"5209\" data-end=\"5221\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"5221\" data-end=\"5232\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003e16–26°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"5233\" data-end=\"5247\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"5233\" data-end=\"5236\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003epH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"5236\" data-end=\"5247\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003e6.5–7.8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"5248\" data-end=\"5276\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"5248\" data-end=\"5265\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eDissolved oxygen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"5265\" data-end=\"5276\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003e\u0026gt;6 mg\/L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"5277\" data-end=\"5294\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"5277\" data-end=\"5282\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eFlow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"5282\" data-end=\"5294\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5296\" data-end=\"5320\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5296\" data-end=\"5318\"\u003eSubstrate \u0026amp; layout\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"5321\" data-end=\"5422\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5321\" data-end=\"5354\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5323\" data-end=\"5354\"\u003eMedium sand mixed with gravel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5355\" data-end=\"5374\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5357\" data-end=\"5374\"\u003eThickness ≤3 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5375\" data-end=\"5422\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5377\" data-end=\"5422\"\u003ePebbles and stones forming bottom corridors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"5424\" data-end=\"5427\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5429\" data-end=\"5456\"\u003eX. Conservation Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"5458\" data-end=\"5688\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5458\" data-end=\"5514\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5460\" data-end=\"5514\"\u003eMost Homatula species are localized Chinese endemics\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5515\" data-end=\"5574\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5517\" data-end=\"5574\"\u003eMany populations are restricted to single river systems\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5575\" data-end=\"5609\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5577\" data-end=\"5609\"\u003eArtificial propagation is rare\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5610\" data-end=\"5688\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5612\" data-end=\"5688\"\u003eField observation is encouraged; uncontrolled collection should be avoided\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"5690\" data-end=\"5693\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5695\" data-end=\"5712\"\u003eXI. Summary\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5714\" data-end=\"5845\"\u003eThe genus \u003cstrong data-start=\"5724\" data-end=\"5736\"\u003eHomatula\u003c\/strong\u003e represents a distinctive group of Chinese native benthic loaches adapted to fast-flowing mountain streams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5847\" data-end=\"6122\"\u003eIn the ornamental hobby, the most commonly observed forms are the \u003cstrong data-start=\"5913\" data-end=\"5960\"\u003eShort-bodied Homatula (\u003cem data-start=\"5938\" data-end=\"5957\"\u003eHomatula potanini\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"5965\" data-end=\"6015\"\u003eBerezowski’s Homatula (\u003cem data-start=\"5990\" data-end=\"6012\"\u003eHomatula berezowskii\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e, characterized by irregular fine anterior markings, vertical pale posterior stripes, and red-edged fins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6124\" data-end=\"6311\"\u003eAlthough additional species are listed in academic references, \u003cstrong data-start=\"6187\" data-end=\"6257\"\u003eonly a limited number are currently observed in the aquarium trade\u003c\/strong\u003e, and they are therefore not discussed in detail here.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eira Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Homatula potanini","offer_id":46334073667773,"sku":null,"price":399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Homatula berezowskii","offer_id":46334073700541,"sku":null,"price":399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/7181\/5869\/files\/ezgif-frame-025_d9643152-715b-4cbd-bd47-fe426c084e33.png?v=1769834826","url":"https:\/\/eiraaquatics.com\/products\/homatula-loaches","provider":"Eira Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}