Acantopsis dialuzona is a loach native to the swift, clear streams and rivers of mainland and archipelagic Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, but Southeast Asia outside its range, including as Acantopsis.

[4] Under Maurice Kottelat's review and revision of the loaches in 2012, this species name is considered to be a junior synonym of A.

[4] A very similar species is the unofficially named longnose loach, Acantopsis octoactinotos, from which the horseface can be distinguished by the latter's down-turned (horse-like) nose.

These loaches spend much of their time buried in the substrate, leaving only their eyes uncovered.

Due to this incessant burrowing, any live plants should be potted to avoid uprooting.