Order Cypriniformes ( Cypriniformes )
Family Balitoridae ( Balitoridae )
Subfamily Nemacheilinae ( Nemacheilinae )
Genus Mesonoemacheilus — Mesonoemacheilus.
— Mesonoemacheilus guentheri [Day, 1867]. Synonyms: Nemacheilus, Noemacheilus guentheri. Southern India, fast-flowing rivers with rocky bottoms. 5-6 cm. The species is variable, major color variations are found from different rivers at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats mountain ranges in India. Rounded spots on a brownish body. Males are slimmer. Less territorial than Mesonoemacheilus triangularis, it may hide for a long time, then suddenly dart from its shelter onto a stone and lie there for five to ten minutes, unless, of course, another conspecific claiming the same stone appears.
While loaches settle disputes with long nudges and nipping at each other, this pair instantly figures out who is stronger and who must yield and hide. Absolutely neutral towards representatives of other species. The bottom should consist of coarse sand, and they need small and large rounded stones, and driftwood. Do not dig in the substrate. Lighting should be soft and diffused. They require very clean, well-aerated water with a current that can be created by a stream from an internal or external filter. In the aquarium, they feed on bloodworms and daphnia, and take a long time to get used to frozen foods. It is even harder to train them to accept pellets. pH 6.0-7.5; dH up to 12°; T 20-26°C.
— Batik Loach, Zodiac Loach — Mesonoemacheilus triangularis [Day, 1865]. Synonyms: Nemacheilus, Noemacheilus triangularis. Southern India, fast-flowing rivers with rocky bottoms. 9 cm, smaller in the aquarium. Often confused with their close relatives M. guentheri. These fish can vary in coloration depending on their place of origin.
This fish has a gray to whitish body color, with angular brown to reddish stripes alternating with spots. The stripes usually periodically merge in the center of the body into a horizontal line running to the tail. When excited, they can drastically change color, from light brown to very dark, almost black.
Rather secretive nocturnal behavior, plus it requires large aquarium volumes (at least 100 liters). Aggressive, best kept in a species tank or in a group with other loaches. A large number of shelters is required, lots of large smooth stones and driftwood so that each can choose its own territory, as these are bottom-dwelling fish. Plants are not strictly necessary, but they are a good addition for dimming the light. It may not show itself for a long time, then – a sudden leap from a shelter onto a stone and lie there for five to ten minutes.
It should not be kept with long-finned fish, which it will hunt. Unlike many loaches, they prefer warmer water. They require very clean, well-aerated water with a current that can be created by a stream from an internal or external filter. They love lying in the current. Lighting should be soft and diffused. Sensing food in the water, they take starting positions near the feeder. While the bloodworm falls to the bottom, the fish targets it, then makes a sudden rush and grabs the worm.
Having eaten their fill, the fish disperse over the stones or settle on broad leaves. They take a long time to get used to frozen foods. It is even harder to train them to accept pellets. The lack of scales makes them more prone to diseases and very sensitive to medications used to treat diseases. They live up to 10 years. pH 7.0-7.5; dH up to 12°; T 20-26°C.
Identification: Genus Mesonoemacheilus — Mesonoemacheilus.
Nemacheilus binotatus, corica, denisoni, ornatus, selangoricus.
Acanthocobitis botia, rubidipinnis, zonalternans. 
