Lizard Loach
Homaloptera orthogoniata
Parameter dashboard
20-25.5 °C
6-7.5
9.5 cm
Care guide
Homaloptera orthogoniata, known as the Saddle-back Loach or Lizard Loach, is a specialised rheophilic loach from fast-flowing streams and rivers in Borneo, where it clings to rocks and cobbles in strong currents. It reaches a maximum size of around 9.5 cm and requires an aquarium with a base of at least 120 × 30 cm with powerful water movement and high oxygen levels. Water conditions should be cool and clean with temperatures of 20–25.5 °C, pH of 6.0–7.5, and hardness of 18–179 ppm. These loaches are adapted for life in flowing water, with flattened bodies and modified pectoral fins that form a ventral sucking disc. The aquarium must include smooth rocks, cobbles, and solid surfaces that develop growths of algae and biofilm, as they are specialised grazers feeding on aufwuchs, small crustaceans, and insect larvae. Sinking dried foods may be accepted but regular meals of live or frozen Daphnia, Artemia, and bloodworm are essential for long-term health. Balitorids are often sold in an emaciated state, so carefully evaluate specimens before purchase. H. orthogoniata is peaceful and should be maintained in groups of six or more to observe natural behaviour, as they tend to be less bold when kept in smaller numbers. Suitable tankmates include Barilius, Garra, Devario, and other species from similar flowing-water habitats. The fish typically arrange themselves close together facing into the current at rest.
Source
Further reading on identification and aquarium care.
Tankmate compatibility (sample)
Pairwise screening against other species in the database (prioritizing the same family when data is available).
Review first (9)
Caution or avoid from automated rules — confirm before mixing.
| Species | Assessment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cardinal tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
| Ghost shrimp Palaemon paludosus Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
| Haitian cichlid Nandopsis haitiensis Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates · the two share only a narrow band of temperature, so one of them sits at the edge of its range · one is boisterous and the other a much smaller peaceful fish sharing the same floor, where it can be intimidated and outcompeted at feeding time Open pair in Compare → |
| Ornate tetra Hyphessobrycon bentosi Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
| Pearly calvus Altolamprologus calvus Caution | Caution | Species with non-overlapping pH ranges may not thrive together · the two share only a narrow band of temperature, so one of them sits at the edge of its range · one is boisterous and the other a much smaller peaceful fish sharing the same floor, where it can be intimidated and outcompeted at feeding time Open pair in Compare → |
| Royal Farlowella Sturisomatichthys festivus Caution | Caution | the two share only a narrow band of temperature, so one of them sits at the edge of its range · one is boisterous and the other a much smaller peaceful fish sharing the same floor, where it can be intimidated and outcompeted at feeding time Open pair in Compare → |
| Surrufus Stiphodon Stiphodon surrufus Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
| Boeseman's rainbowfish Melanotaenia boesemani Avoid | Avoid | Species with non-overlapping temperature ranges cannot coexist · the two share only a narrow band of temperature, so one of them sits at the edge of its range Open pair in Compare → |
| Horsehead Opsariichthys bidens Avoid | Avoid | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates · Species with non-overlapping temperature ranges cannot coexist · the two share only a narrow band of temperature, so one of them sits at the edge of its range Open pair in Compare → |
3 species with compatible assessment in this sampleCollapse to hide the list; use “Open pair in Compare” for the full matrix.
| Species | Assessment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dwarf gourami Trichogaster lalius Compatible | Compatible | No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair. Open pair in Compare → |
| Hillstream loach Gastromyzon punctulatus Compatible | Compatible | No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair. Open pair in Compare → |
| Reticulated hillstream loach Sewellia lineolata Compatible | Compatible | No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair. Open pair in Compare → |
Same rule engine as Compare. Not a substitute for observation, tank size, or acclimation.
Related species
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