Alligator AKA Green Lizard Hillstream Loach (Homalopteroides tweediei)

The Alligator Hillstream Loach is an interesting, peaceful, uncommon species that is distinctive for its reptilian appearance!

The Alligator Hillstream Loach (Homalopteroides tweediei), also known as the Green Lizard Loach (or Catfish), Gecko Loach, is a somewhat uncommon hillstream loach (not catfish) that is native to the Mekong River System in many countries of Southeast Asia. It is known for its variable coloration, its peaceful yet outgoing demeanor, and its fascinating social behavior with members of its own (and similar) species. This peaceful fish is an excellent candidate for the mature subtropical aquarium. 

An aquarium with heavy water flow (10-15x turnover per hour) and very clean, clear water is required for the Alligator Hillstream Loach. Unlike many other hillstream loach species, it seems to inhabit areas of moderate, rather than fast, water flow. However, like other hillstream loaches, it is sensitive to declines in water quality, so regular aquarium maintenance and maximum oxygen saturation are absolutely necessary.

The Alligator Hillstream Loach is primarily a micropredator. It is known to usually accept frozen and live meaty foods. This fish will also sometimes accept high-quality dry foods, but often takes a while to adapt to them, so live and frozen foods should be fed for a considerable while as this species settles into its aquarium. As long as it is kept in a well-maintained, mature aquarium with high oxygen content, the Alligator Hillstream Loach is a hardy and entertaining fish. It will not bother aquarium plants. In fact, Anubias species are an excellent plant to keep with this loach because this fish likes to rest on broad, flat leaves.

The Alligator Hillstream Loach is a very social species, so it should be kept in groups of 6 or more. Most small rasboras, tetras, hillstream loaches, and other small, peaceful fish are good tankmates for the Alligator Hillstream Loach, although this species can sometimes bully other hillstream loaches in smaller aquariums. Since they inhabit similar waterways, many smaller freshwater goby species are ideal tankmates as well. Due to its small size and diet, the Alligator Hillstream Loach can possibly be kept with invertebrates that are too large to be considered prey. Other peaceful bottom-dwelling fish are also a possibility, but care must be taken to make sure that the Alligator Hillstream Loach is not outcompeted for food.

What We Like About This Fish:

• Beautiful coloration and interesting appearance
• Somewhat uncommon in the aquarium hobby
• Generally peaceful disposition with fish and peaceful invertebrates
• Interesting, active social behavior when kept in colonies
• Will not harm aquarium plants 

RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:

• Temperature: 70° - 76° F (21° - 25° C). Higher temperatures can be tolerated temporarily with extremely high oxygen content.

• pH: 6.4 – 7.5

• KH: 4 - 12 dKH

• Minimum Tank Size: 25+ gallons for a small group.

CARE INFORMATION:

• Diet: Micropredator. Requires live and frozen meaty foods, but might eventually also accept high quality dry foods. 

• Social Behavior: Generally peaceful, though dominant individuals (usually males) can be territorial with similar fish. This is less common in larger groups and spacious tanks that have plenty of room.

• Origin: Mekong River System of Southeast Asia (Peninsular Malaysia, Indonesian Borneo, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia)

• Average Adult Size: 2 inches (5 cm)

• Average Purchase Size: 1 - 2 inches (2.5 – 5 cm)

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