Tiger loach, Tiger botia, Green tiger loach
Syncrossus hymenophysa, commonly known as the tiger loach, tiger botia or green tiger loach, is a species of freshwater fish in the loach family Botiidae. It is native to fast mountain streams and large rivers, over soft substrates and often near submerged boulders and fallen trees, in Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra. Unlike most loaches, S. hymenophysa is very aggressive, especially when food is added to the tank.
S. hymenophysa grows up to 10 in (25 cm) long. A mature female tends to have a rounder abdomen. This species can be easily mistaken for S. helodes, with the difference being the direction of stripes in front of the dorsal fin. The stripes start at the dorsal base and go down, finishing inclined towards the head of S. hymenophysa, but the opposite for S. helodes.
Green tiger loaches are native to rivers and streams in Peninsular Malaysia, as well as the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. The preferred water conditions for this fish are a neutral (7) to slightly acidic (6.5) pH, and temperatures ranging from 77 to 86 °F (25-30 °C).
