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Banded tiger loach
A pointed snout, broad bars and small dark lower-flank marks.
The olive to brass body has about 10–12 dark bars and smaller dark marks below them, with a distinctly pointed snout. Pattern changes with growth, locality and condition; a bar count or trade name alone does not identify it.
- Adult length
- Up to 30 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
- Water temperature
- 24–30 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness
- 2–12 dGH
- Natural habitat
- Inhabits flowing waters from headwater streams to main river channels, moving into flooded areas during the wet season.
Keep at 24–30°C, pH 6–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH. Keep water clean, oxygenated and moving, and use a secure lid.
Appearance and identification
S. helodes has small lower-flank marks and lacks the conspicuous dorsal blotch of S. hymenophysa; the latter usually has more bars with blue edging. Compare stages and several traits because fading can obscure the pattern.
Floor and movement space
Plan a 180 × 45 cm base for long-term care, with multiple refuges.
Aquarium environment
Shade can come from tolerant plants attached to wood or stone, with safe crevices and open bottom space. Soft-leaved plants may be eaten.
Diet and feeding
Offer varied, suitably sized sinking foods and small animal foods; check that subordinate fish also eat. Snails are not an exclusive diet or guaranteed pest control.
Same-species behaviour
Keep at least five or six conspecifics, preferably ten or more. Hierarchies still form; more fish does not guarantee no pursuit.
Compatibility limits
A large, potentially assertive tiger loach. Not suited to a peaceful community or slow, long-finned companions; even with robust fish, monitor conflicts and have a separation plan.