Red Lizard Hillstream Loach (Homaloptera ogilviei)
- In stock, ready to ship
- Backordered, shipping soon
For the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish exclusively via UPS Next Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout.
The Red Lizard Hillstream Loach is a striking and highly specialized freshwater fish known for its elongated, streamlined body and subtle red to copper-toned markings. Unlike many loaches, this species thrives in fast-flowing, oxygen-rich environments and brings a completely different energy to the aquarium—hugging surfaces, gliding across stones, and navigating currents with precision.
Its unique “lizard-like” shape and behavior make it a standout for aquarists looking to recreate natural river systems. This species is best suited for experienced hobbyists who can provide the high flow and pristine water conditions it requires.
What We Love About This Fish:
• Unique Body Shape: Long, slender “lizard-like” profile unlike typical loaches
• Current Lover: Thrives in high-flow aquariums with strong circulation
• Algae Grazer: Constantly browses biofilm and soft algae on surfaces
• Rare and Specialized: A true enthusiast species for river-style aquascapes
Quick Care Guide:
• Care Level: Moderate to Advanced
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivore (biofilm grazer)
• Shrimp Compatible: Yes, with caution (may compete for food)
• Adult Size: ~2.5 – 3 inches
• Average Purchase Size: 1.5 – 2 inches
• Social Behavior: Best kept in small groups
• Activity Level: Moderate, bottom-dwelling
• Tank Level: Bottom
• Lifespan: 5+ years
• Recommended Group Size: 3+
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Recommended Tank Parameters:
• Temperature: 68° – 75° F (20° – 24° C)
• pH: 6.5 – 7.5
• KH: 2 – 8 dKH
Live Arrival Guarantee:
All Aquatic Arts brand plants and animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free email support!
Homaloptera ogilviei is native to fast-flowing streams and rivers in Southeast Asia, where it inhabits shallow, rocky environments with strong current and high oxygen levels. These waters are typically clear, cool, and rich in dissolved oxygen, with smooth stones and minimal plant growth.
Recreating a flowing stream environment is key to success with this species. Use smooth river stones, rounded gravel, and larger rocks to create areas of flow and rest.
Plants: Hardy, flow-tolerant plants such as Anubias, Java Fern, and mosses attached to hardscape
Hardscape: Smooth river stones, slate, and driftwood positioned to create current breaks
Botanicals: Light use of leaves or pods to encourage biofilm without restricting flow
Strong filtration and additional powerheads are highly recommended to simulate their natural habitat. Think of this setup as painting a moving river—structure and current matter just as much as aesthetics.
Omnivorous grazer. Feeds on biofilm, algae, and microfauna. Supplement with algae wafers, spirulina pellets, and blanched vegetables.
Best kept with other peaceful species that enjoy similar cooler, high-flow conditions. Suitable tank mates include danios, white cloud minnows, and other hillstream-compatible fish. Avoid aggressive or slow-moving fish that may be stressed by strong currents.
Generally safe with adult shrimp, but may compete for food. Ensure shrimp have access to biofilm and hiding areas.
Breeding in captivity is rare and not well-documented. Likely requires highly specialized conditions including seasonal changes in flow and temperature.
Are Red Lizard Hillstream Loaches good for beginners?
They are better suited for experienced aquarists due to their need for high flow and oxygen.
Do they eat algae?
Yes, they graze on soft algae and biofilm continuously.
Can they live in a standard aquarium?
Only if strong flow and oxygenation are provided.
Do they need a group?
Yes, they do best in small groups of 3 or more.
Are they aggressive?
No, they are peaceful and non-territorial.
What makes them different from other loaches?
Their elongated body and adaptation to fast currents.
Can they live with shrimp?
Yes, with proper feeding and space.
Do they need plants?
Plants are optional but helpful for stability and aesthetics.
How do they handle strong currents?
They are built for it and thrive in high flow.
Do they need oxygen-rich water?
Yes, high oxygen levels are critical for their health.
For the safety of our animals, we only ship live fish, crabs, and select other inverts exclusively via UPS 1 Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS 1 Day Air as a shipping option during checkout. If other items are in your cart that can ship with 2 day or standard shipping options the only shipping method you can still select is UPS 1 Day Air.
UPS 1 Day is a description of the duration of time a shipment will spend in transit once it has been shipped. This does not guarantee the package will be shipped the same or next day from which the order was placed.
Shipping Schedule for this service
Current Handling Time:
1-9 business days
Here at Aquatic Arts, we consider the welfare of the live animals we are shipping to be of the foremost importance. This process is much more involved than simply creating a shipping label and affixing it to a box. Depending on the order, it takes from 4 to 7 people to complete this process properly. We check the weather conditions here where they fly out of the Indianapolis UPS facility and the destination for each shipment. We start early each morning and go through a multi-step process to have the day's shipments prepared in time for the UPS pickup. The volume of orders in our system also affects the processing time. Therefore our stated handling time is 1-9 business days.
Shipping Rate
Pricing is by size of package needed to fill entire order and distance it must travel. It will be calculated at checkout.
