Barito Loach Care Guide

The Barito Loach, scientifically known as Kapuasia falaris, is a small and peaceful freshwater fish native to slow-moving streams and rivers of Southeast Asia. Valued for its subtle beauty and calm temperament, it is an excellent choice for aquarists who enjoy keeping bottom-dwelling fish that add gentle activity to community tanks. Kapuasia falaris has a slender, slightly elongated body with a streamlined shape that allows it to navigate both open water and tight spaces among rocks and plants. Its coloration is typically earthy, with a mix of browns, tans, and muted stripes or mottling along the body, helping it blend into its natural environment. The fins are delicate and translucent, contributing to the fish’s understated elegance and smooth, gliding movements. In aquariums, the Barito Loach thrives in well-planted setups with soft substrates such as sand or fine gravel. Driftwood, leaf litter, and smooth stones provide hiding places and resting spots, while open areas allow for natural exploration and foraging. This species appreciates calm water with gentle flow, clean conditions, and stable parameters, which help reduce stress and encourage active behavior. This loach is social and does best when kept in small groups. Group settings encourage natural interactions, more confident movement, and subtle displays of behavior. It coexists peacefully with other small, non-aggressive fish, particularly species that occupy different areas of the tank, such as small rasboras, danios, or tetras. Feeding Kapuasia falaris focuses on a varied diet suitable for a bottom-dwelling omnivore. Sinking micro pellets, finely crushed flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods such as daphnia, bloodworms, or brine shrimp support their health and coloration. Including small amounts of vegetable matter or algae-based foods helps round out their nutrition and encourages natural foraging behavior. Breeding in captivity has not been widely documented, and most individuals in the aquarium hobby are kept for their peaceful behavior and visual appeal rather than reproduction. The Barito Loach is a subtle yet engaging species that adds gentle activity and natural charm to well-planted aquariums. Its calm nature, understated coloration, and bottom-dwelling behavior make it a rewarding choice for aquarists seeking peaceful, river-adapted fish that thrive in naturalistic community setups.