Green Tiger Loach (Syncrossus Hymenophysa)
Tiger Loaches can be aggressive and should not be kept with much smaller fishes as its size, and its playful nature may threaten them. The best tankmates for this fish are those that are robust and fast-swimming.
Slow-moving, long-finned species such as guppies, bettas and many cichlids should also be avoided as flowing fins can get nipped.
These loaches are a sociable species; they form involved social authorities and should be kept in groups of at least 5 or 6, preferably ten or more. When kept alone, they can become aggressive or withdrawn towards similarly-shaped fishes. If only a pair or a trio are purchased, the dominant individual will usually attack the others frequently, which may prevent them from feeding.
The Tiger Loach has a browny-tan body decorated with 12-15 vertical bars with iridescent greenish-blue borders that start at the dorsal surface with the bottom of the bars finishing further forwards towards the front of the fish and displays a dark blotch on their dorsal fin.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Syncrossus Hymenophysa |
| Other Names | Tiger Loach, Tiger Botia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Botiidae |
| Genus | Syncrossus |
| Origins | Indonesia, Malaysia |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 5 - 7 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 3 - 15 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 77 - 86℉ 25 - 30℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Green Tiger Loach will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Sexual Dimorphism
It is impossible to know the differences between males and females as they are yet to be documented as far as we know.
Presumably, they are broader and more extensive than that of the males.