{"product_id":"saddled-hillstream-loach-homaloptera-orthogoniata","title":"Saddled Hillstream Loach - Homaloptera orthogoniata","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"506\" data-end=\"561\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"506\" data-end=\"561\"\u003eSaddled Hillstream Loach (Homaloptera orthogoniata)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"563\" data-end=\"1019\"\u003eThe Saddled Hillstream Loach is a fascinating specialist freshwater loach with a flattened body, strong clinging fins and distinctive saddle-like body patterning. This species is best suited to mature river-style aquariums with clean, highly oxygenated water, strong flow and plenty of smooth stones or wood for grazing. It is peaceful with suitable tankmates, but it has specialist care needs and should not be treated as a standard community algae eater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1021\" data-end=\"1124\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1021\" data-end=\"1037\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1037\" data-end=\"1040\"\u003eSaddled Hillstream Loach, Saddle-back Loach, Orchid Loach, Gecko Loach, Lizard Loach\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1126\" data-end=\"1181\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1126\" data-end=\"1154\"\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1154\" data-end=\"1157\"\u003eHomaloptera orthogoniata\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1183\" data-end=\"1225\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1183\" data-end=\"1200\"\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1200\" data-end=\"1203\"\u003eApproximately 10–13 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1227\" data-end=\"1255\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1227\" data-end=\"1242\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1242\" data-end=\"1245\"\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1257\" data-end=\"1450\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1257\" data-end=\"1286\"\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1286\" data-end=\"1289\"\u003eThe Saddled Hillstream Loach is found in Southeast Asian fast-flowing stream habitats, where it lives among stones, boulders, gravel and submerged hard surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1452\" data-end=\"1654\"\u003eIn the wild, it is associated with clear, moving water, high oxygen levels and natural biofilm growth. Its flattened body and specialised fins allow it to cling tightly to rocks and surfaces in current.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1656\" data-end=\"1874\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1656\" data-end=\"1677\"\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1677\" data-end=\"1680\"\u003eTemperature: 20–25°C\u003cbr data-start=\"1700\" data-end=\"1703\"\u003epH Range: 6.5–7.5\u003cbr data-start=\"1720\" data-end=\"1723\"\u003eHardness: Soft to moderately hard\u003cbr data-start=\"1756\" data-end=\"1759\"\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite: 0 ppm\u003cbr data-start=\"1781\" data-end=\"1784\"\u003eNitrate: Kept low and stable\u003cbr data-start=\"1812\" data-end=\"1815\"\u003eOxygenation: High oxygen and strong water movement required\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1876\" data-end=\"1903\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1876\" data-end=\"1892\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1892\" data-end=\"1895\"\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1905\" data-end=\"2038\"\u003eSaddled Hillstream Loaches are peaceful with suitable fish and usually spend their time grazing across stones, wood, glass and décor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2040\" data-end=\"2195\"\u003eThey may lightly compete with each other over favourite grazing spots, but this is usually harmless when enough space, flow and feeding areas are provided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2197\" data-end=\"2234\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2197\" data-end=\"2206\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2206\" data-end=\"2209\"\u003eOmnivore \/ Biofilm Grazer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2236\" data-end=\"2371\"\u003eThe Saddled Hillstream Loach naturally grazes biofilm, soft algae, aufwuchs, microorganisms and fine food particles from hard surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2373\" data-end=\"2565\"\u003eSupplement natural grazing with sinking algae wafers, spirulina foods, gel foods, fine sinking pellets, blanched vegetables and occasional frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops or brineshrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2567\" data-end=\"2679\"\u003eDo not rely on natural aquarium algae alone. A mature aquarium with established biofilm is strongly recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2681\" data-end=\"2747\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2681\" data-end=\"2703\"\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2703\" data-end=\"2706\"\u003eApproximately 90 litres for a small group\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2749\" data-end=\"2820\"\u003eA longer aquarium with good bottom space is preferred over a tall tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2822\" data-end=\"2944\"\u003eStrong filtration, surface movement, additional aeration and plenty of smooth stones are more important than volume alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2946\" data-end=\"3082\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2946\" data-end=\"2971\"\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2971\" data-end=\"2974\"\u003eThe Saddled Hillstream Loach spends much of its time attached to stones, wood, glass or other hard surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3084\" data-end=\"3199\"\u003eIt may move in short bursts between grazing areas and often chooses places with steady flow and high oxygen levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3201\" data-end=\"3344\"\u003eIn a mature river-style aquarium, a settled group can become active and visible throughout the day, especially around favourite feeding stones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3346\" data-end=\"3400\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3346\" data-end=\"3372\"\u003eCommunity Suitability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3372\" data-end=\"3375\"\u003eSpecialist Community Fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3402\" data-end=\"3519\"\u003eThe Saddled Hillstream Loach is best kept in a specialist hillstream or cool-to-moderate tropical community aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3521\" data-end=\"3719\"\u003eSuitable tankmates include White Cloud Mountain Minnows, peaceful danios, hillstream-suitable rasboras, small gobies from similar habitats and other compatible hillstream loaches where space allows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3721\" data-end=\"3896\"\u003eAvoid goldfish, large cichlids, aggressive loaches, fin-nippers, slow warm-water fish, discus, angelfish, gourami and any species that require still, warm or low-oxygen water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3898\" data-end=\"4009\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3898\" data-end=\"3937\"\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3937\" data-end=\"3940\"\u003eThis species needs clean, mature, oxygen-rich water with strong flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4011\" data-end=\"4155\"\u003eA river-style aquarium with smooth stones, rounded pebbles, driftwood, open grazing surfaces and good surface agitation is strongly recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4157\" data-end=\"4252\"\u003eAvoid newly set up aquariums, poor water quality, warm stagnant conditions and sharp substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4254\" data-end=\"4392\"\u003eDo not keep this species in tanks maintained constantly at high tropical temperatures, as low oxygen and heat stress can become a problem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4394\" data-end=\"4488\"\u003eProvide mature biofilm growth and supplement the diet regularly with specialist sinking foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4490\" data-end=\"4592\"\u003eMake sure food reaches the bottom, as faster midwater fish may take food before the loaches can graze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4594\" data-end=\"4695\"\u003eStable water quality, high oxygenation and regular water changes are essential for long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4697\" data-end=\"4729\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4697\" data-end=\"4714\"\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4714\" data-end=\"4717\"\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4731\" data-end=\"4806\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4731\" data-end=\"4748\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4748\" data-end=\"4751\"\u003eAvailability can vary depending on season and supplier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4808\" data-end=\"5074\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"4808\" data-end=\"5074\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4809\" data-end=\"5073\"\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":47413360885933,"sku":"AG-104753","price":12.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":47413360918701,"sku":"AG-104754","price":14.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large","offer_id":47413360951469,"sku":"AG-104755","price":16.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/SaddledHillstreamLoach-Homalopteraorthogoniata_1.jpg?v=1790697565","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/saddled-hillstream-loach-homaloptera-orthogoniata","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}