Edit Homaloptera orthogoniata
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Name
Scientific name
Homaloptera orthogoniata
Described by
Authority Vaillant, Year 1902
Family
Balitoridae
Common names
Saddle-back Loach
Photograph credits
All 3 credited
Summary
The saddle-back loach, Homaloptera orthogoniata, is a 'lizard' loach endemic to Borneo, known from rivers in Sarawak and Kalimantan. It was…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
95mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement High: fast-flowing river or riffle
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 20–25.5°C, pH 6–7.5
Hardness
1–10dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Indonesia, Malaysia, Borneo, Borneo, Baram, Kapuas, Mahakam, Rajang, Sambas, Tatau
Writing
Etymology
Homaloptera: From the Greek homalos (= flat, level or even) and ptera (= wing), a reference to the horizontal positioning of the pectoral and ventral fins. ort…
Distribution
Historically said to occur throughout much of Indochina but more recent research has shown it to be endemic to the island of Borneo. In Sarawak (Malaysian Born…
Habitat
An obligate dweller of swiftly-flowing streams and headwaters containing clear, oxygen-saturated water. It often inhabits riffles and runs and is likely to sho…
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base dimensions of 120 ∗ 30 cm or equivalent is required for long-term maintenance.
Maintenance
Most importantly the water must be clean and well-oxygenated so we suggest the use of an over-sized filter as a minimum requirement. Turnover should ideally be…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Homaloptera spp. are specialised grazers feeding on biofilm, small crustaceans, insect larvae and other invertebrates. In captivity some sinking dried foods ma…
Behaviour and compatibility
Not an aggressive fish although its particular requirements limit the choice of suitable tankmates. Species inhabiting similar environments include Barilius, D…
Sexual dimorphism
Sexually mature females are usually a little larger and fuller-bodied than males.
Reproduction
Presumably a seasonal spawner in nature but nothing has been recorded in aquaria.
Notes
This species appearance is rare in the aquarium hobby with the majority of images both online and in the published literature instead depicting H. confuzona or…
References
References
15 on this profile