Species profile
Tiger Loach
Syncrossus hymenophysa
Aggressive
Hard care
450 L minimum aquarium
18–25 cm adult size
Bottom
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
The original 'peaceful' placeholder was unsafe. This is a large, potentially aggressive loach for robust specialist communities, not a standard peaceful community fish.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–29 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
2–12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate–high
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 5
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
2.5
Large, assertive botiid with a strong dominance hierarchy. It can seriously harass timid fish and should be kept in a robust group with ample territory and retreats.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
10–15 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
450 L
Minimum footprint
150 × 60 cm
Accepted scientific name
Syncrossus hymenophysa
Alternative names
Tiger Loach, Green Tiger Loach, Botia hymenophysa
Native range
Southeast Asia including Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra and Borneo.
Natural habitat
Rivers and streams with current, submerged wood, rocks and sand/gravel substrate.
Diet & feeding
Benthic invertebrates, molluscs and other animal foods with some plant material; use robust sinking foods, worms/crustaceans and vegetables.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Sexual dimorphism is subtle; mature females may become fuller-bodied, but reliable casual sexing is difficult.
Breeding
Home-aquarium breeding is exceptionally uncommon; large seasonal-spawning botiids are generally produced commercially using specialised methods.