Redfin tiger loach

Syncrossus berdmorei

Vertical bars meet rows of spots on an assertive tiger loach.

Dark vertical bars and rows of dark spots overlap a yellow-brown body, tapering to a narrow caudal peduncle and forked tail. Patterns vary with individual, growth and locality.

Adult length: Up to 25 cm
Water temperature: 21–26 °C
Lifespan: About 20 years
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: 5–15 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits shaded, flowing forest streams with clear, oxygen-rich water over sand, rocks, submerged wood and leaves.

Keep at 21–26°C, pH 6.5–7.5 and GH 5–15 dGH. Provide mature, stable, clean, oxygenated water with some current and a secure lid. Reaches 250 mm SL.

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Appearance and identification

It closely resembles S. beauforti; berdmorei has relatively larger horizontal spots, with some vertical bars fading during growth. Compared with S. helodes, rows of spots are the main visual difference; both are assertive.

Floor and movement space

Plan at least a 180 × 45 cm base or equivalent usable area for long-term care. A four-foot aquarium is only a starting arrangement that must grow with the fish. Plan for an adult group.

Aquarium environment

Soft leaves may be eaten. Shade-tolerant attached plants can accompany wood and smooth rocks. Retain open bottom routes, several refuges and smooth sand or rounded gravel; eliminate sharp edges and trapping holes.

Diet and feeding

Offer suitable sinking pellets with varied frozen or live small animal foods and some vegetable matter. Check each fish feeds. Snail predation does not make it a reliable pest-control method.

Same-species behaviour

Keep at least five or six, preferably ten or more. Small combinations can expose subordinates to repeated pursuit. Consider adult space, shelter and feeding access together.

Compatibility limits

An active fish that may pursue companions and nip trailing fins. Avoid small fish and slow, long-finned fish. Hierarchy can suppress feeding even in groups; monitor subordinate fish. Not a community-cleaning fish.

Sources

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

www.loaches.com ↗ 2026-10-22

www.nagaofoundation.or.jp ↗ 2026-10-23

api.gbif.org ↗ 2026-10-22