Tiger Loach

About

The banded loach (Syncrossus hymenophysa) is a substantial, boldly patterned fish from the rivers, streams, and lakes of Sumatra, Borneo, and the Malay Peninsula, where it shelters near submerged logs and woody debris or picks through stony upland stream beds. Its body is crossed by 12 to 15 narrow vertical bars with a faint bluish border, and a dark spot in the dorsal fin helps distinguish it from its close relative S. helodes. Adults can reach a solid 8 to 10 inches in a well-maintained tank, so this is not a fish to underestimate when planning a setup. Temperament-wise, the banded loach is genuinely aggressive and needs to be treated as such. It should be kept in groups of at least five or six, ideally ten or more, because solitary individuals often become withdrawn or take their frustrations out on tankmates. Within a group, social hierarchies are real and occasionally dramatic: fish can visibly pale during dominance disputes, a behavior keepers call "greying out." Fin-nipping is a serious concern, so slow or long-finned fish are poor companions. Fast-moving cyprinids and robust, non-territorial catfishes are far better choices. One practical heads-up. This species has sharp, retractable spines beneath each eye that can tangle in nets and cut fingers, so handle with care.