Green Tiger Loach (Syncrossus hymenophysa)

Care parameters

Water temperature

18–26 °C

pH

6.5–7.5

GH hardness

5–15 dGH

Adult length

15.8–23.1 cm

Minimum tank

500 L

Water layer

Bottom-dwelling

Difficulty

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand

Origin

Myanmar to Thailand, SE Asia

Species overview

Syncrossus hymenophysa is a Cobitidae from Myanmar to Thailand, SE Asia. Half of its life happens after dark; give it fine sand and it will reward you with natural foraging. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 15.8–23.1 cm. Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. Use a soft sand bed and feed sinking foods; coarse gravel wears down its sensory barbels. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.

Native biotope

Habitat

Sandy stretches of slow rivers

Flow

Gentle current

Dissolved O₂

Tolerates moderate oxygen levels

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate

Fine sand for burrowing

Hardscape

Smooth stones and driftwood caves

Plants

Low-light tolerant plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling

Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy

Diet

Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods

Recommended tankmates

• Small calm cyprinids — Occupy a different water layer

Avoid keeping with

• Large predators — Loaches are on the menu

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism

Females noticeably plumper when mature

Breeding method

Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned