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Fish Profiles | Tiger Loach
Fish Profiles | Tiger Loach
The Tiger Botia Loach (Syncrossus hymenophysa) is also commonly called the Green Tiger Loach, Banded Loach, Green Tiger Botia, Tiger Botia or Zebra Loach and is highly prized by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts for their beauty, rarity, and scavenging ability.
The Tiger Loach does well in a well-oxygenated, planted aquarium with most community fish. Do not keep with Cichlids or long finned fish as they are incompatible as the loach reaches mature size.
Here are some key points about this species:
Habitat and Distribution
Native Habitat: They are native to fast-flowing mountain streams and large rivers in Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra.
Preferred Environment: They thrive in soft substrates, often near submerged boulders and fallen trees.
Physical Characteristics
Size: They can grow up to 21 cm (9 inches) long.
Appearance: They have a distinctive brownish-tan body adorned with 12-15 vertical bars featuring iridescent greenish-blue borders. The stripes start at the dorsal base and go down towards the head.
Behavior and Compatibility
Aggression: Unlike most loaches, tiger loaches are very aggressive, especially when food is added to the tank. They should be kept in groups of 8 or more to minimize aggression and allow them to form a natural hierarchy.
Tank Requirements: They need a spacious aquarium with numerous hiding spots and visual barriers like driftwood and smooth rocks. Dim lighting is preferable, and the tank must be securely covered as they are skilled jumpers.
Care and Maintenance
Water Conditions: They prefer a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.5-7.5) and temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F).
Feeding: They should be fed live or frozen foods. Catfish pellets granules, flakes, and frozen foods are suitable options.
Filtration and Water Changes: Powerful filtration and frequent partial water changes are essential to maintain water quality.
Interesting Facts
Social Structure: Despite their aggression, they form complex social structures within a group.
Breeding: During the rainy season, they migrate into flooded areas to spawn, usually staying close to submerged trees or structures.
To browse our range of tropical fish pellets please click here.
To browse our range of fish food for bottom feeders and scavengers please click here.
Photo credit(s): Tiger Botia Loach - Botia hymenophysa by boban_nz / Shutterstock; Redfin Tiger Loach (Syncrossus berdmorei) by Pavaphon Supanantananont / Shutterstock.
