Behavior and compatibility
Lepidocephalichthys spp. are peaceful both with one another and other fishes and there exist no reports of them harming tankmates though they may prey on eggs or fry.
They fare best in the presence of conspecifics and should ideally be kept in a group of 4 or more specimens. L. hasselti should do well alongside fishes from similar environments that occupy the upper part of the water column such as Trichopodus, Trichogaster, Trichopsis or certain Danio species.
The presence of these should also make it less timid as the absence of fishes in the upper water column is often used as a signifier for approaching danger in nature.
Sand-dwelling loaches from the families Botiidae, Cobitidae and Nemacheilidae are also suitable but proper research is essential as some can be excessively territorial or otherwise aggressive