Freshwater
Loach
More details
Red Lizard Loach (Homaloptera cf. orthogoniata)
Pro
Pro
Description
This sleek, red-brown loach with its flattened body and sucker-like mouth is built for fast-flowing streams. Known for its peaceful temperament and unique river-gliding movement, it's a favorite in hillstream-style tanks.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Red Lizard Loach (Homaloptera cf. orthogoniata)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs mature, oxygen-rich tanks with clean water and strong current to thrive. Sensitive to poor flow or unstable conditions.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught from Borneo and Malaysia. Habitat conservation and support of responsible collection is key.
Origin
Native to fast-moving, highland streams in northern Borneo, particularly in Sarawak, Malaysia. Found in clear waters with smooth stones and leaf litter.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Streamlined body with deep reddish to rusty hues and subtle patterning. Clings to rocks and glass with its muscular fins, gracefully skimming surfaces like a miniature stingray.
Purpose
Functions as a micro-algae grazer and bottom dweller in river setups. Adds natural movement and helps clean biofilm from rocks and hardscape.
Importance
Ideal for biotope enthusiasts and aquarists wanting to simulate Southeast Asian streams. Offers both utility and unique motion for aquascapes.
Included Resources
Needs soft sand or rounded gravel substrate, smooth river stones, and good surface agitation. Provide cool, oxygenated water via powerheads or river manifold setups. Mature biofilm is essential for grazing.
Best Use Cases
Perfect for hillstream river layouts, Southeast Asian biotopes, or shrimp-safe community tanks with high flow. Does best in established, algae-friendly environments.
Conservation Context
Collected from specific mountain streams in Borneo. These habitats are under threat from deforestation and mining—supporting responsible sources helps protect them.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Danios and White Cloud Mountain Minnows
• Shrimp and snails
• Pangio loaches
• Gastromyzon or Sewellia species
• Peaceful rasboras
Region (A)
• Latitude: 1.5584° N
• Longitude: 110.3459° E
(Sarawak Highlands, Malaysian Borneo)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 0.8470° N
• Longitude: 113.9213° E
(Kalimantan River headwaters, Indonesian Borneo)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Red Lizard Loach (Homaloptera cf. orthogoniata)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs mature, oxygen-rich tanks with clean water and strong current to thrive. Sensitive to poor flow or unstable conditions.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught from Borneo and Malaysia. Habitat conservation and support of responsible collection is key.
Origin
Native to fast-moving, highland streams in northern Borneo, particularly in Sarawak, Malaysia. Found in clear waters with smooth stones and leaf litter.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Streamlined body with deep reddish to rusty hues and subtle patterning. Clings to rocks and glass with its muscular fins, gracefully skimming surfaces like a miniature stingray.
Purpose
Functions as a micro-algae grazer and bottom dweller in river setups. Adds natural movement and helps clean biofilm from rocks and hardscape.
Importance
Ideal for biotope enthusiasts and aquarists wanting to simulate Southeast Asian streams. Offers both utility and unique motion for aquascapes.
Included Resources
Needs soft sand or rounded gravel substrate, smooth river stones, and good surface agitation. Provide cool, oxygenated water via powerheads or river manifold setups. Mature biofilm is essential for grazing.
Best Use Cases
Perfect for hillstream river layouts, Southeast Asian biotopes, or shrimp-safe community tanks with high flow. Does best in established, algae-friendly environments.
Conservation Context
Collected from specific mountain streams in Borneo. These habitats are under threat from deforestation and mining—supporting responsible sources helps protect them.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Danios and White Cloud Mountain Minnows
• Shrimp and snails
• Pangio loaches
• Gastromyzon or Sewellia species
• Peaceful rasboras
Region (A)
• Latitude: 1.5584° N
• Longitude: 110.3459° E
(Sarawak Highlands, Malaysian Borneo)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 0.8470° N
• Longitude: 113.9213° E
(Kalimantan River headwaters, Indonesian Borneo)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Red Lizard Loach (Homaloptera cf. orthogoniata)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs mature, oxygen-rich tanks with clean water and strong current to thrive. Sensitive to poor flow or unstable conditions.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught from Borneo and Malaysia. Habitat conservation and support of responsible collection is key.
Origin
Native to fast-moving, highland streams in northern Borneo, particularly in Sarawak, Malaysia. Found in clear waters with smooth stones and leaf litter.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Streamlined body with deep reddish to rusty hues and subtle patterning. Clings to rocks and glass with its muscular fins, gracefully skimming surfaces like a miniature stingray.
Purpose
Functions as a micro-algae grazer and bottom dweller in river setups. Adds natural movement and helps clean biofilm from rocks and hardscape.
Importance
Ideal for biotope enthusiasts and aquarists wanting to simulate Southeast Asian streams. Offers both utility and unique motion for aquascapes.
Included Resources
Needs soft sand or rounded gravel substrate, smooth river stones, and good surface agitation. Provide cool, oxygenated water via powerheads or river manifold setups. Mature biofilm is essential for grazing.
Best Use Cases
Perfect for hillstream river layouts, Southeast Asian biotopes, or shrimp-safe community tanks with high flow. Does best in established, algae-friendly environments.
Conservation Context
Collected from specific mountain streams in Borneo. These habitats are under threat from deforestation and mining—supporting responsible sources helps protect them.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Danios and White Cloud Mountain Minnows
• Shrimp and snails
• Pangio loaches
• Gastromyzon or Sewellia species
• Peaceful rasboras
Region (A)
• Latitude: 1.5584° N
• Longitude: 110.3459° E
(Sarawak Highlands, Malaysian Borneo)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 0.8470° N
• Longitude: 113.9213° E
(Kalimantan River headwaters, Indonesian Borneo)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Red Lizard Loach (Homaloptera cf. orthogoniata)
Region
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