Lizard Loach

🔥 Lizard Loach (Homaloptera orthogoniata)

Add a fascinating and unusual bottom-dweller to your aquarium with the captivating Lizard Loach. Named for its flattened body shape and distinctive appearance, this unique species is specially adapted to life in fast-flowing streams, where it uses its broad fins to cling to rocks and surfaces.

Peaceful, active, and endlessly interesting to observe, the Lizard Loach is an excellent choice for aquarists looking to create a natural river-style aquarium with something a little different.

🌿 Why Choose Lizard Loach?

🦎 Unique lizard-like body shape and movement
🌊 Adapted to fast-flowing stream environments
🐠 Peaceful and community-friendly species
🪨 Constantly grazes rocks and hardscape surfaces
⭐ Unusual and highly interesting freshwater loach

Lizard Loaches spend much of their time attached to rocks, driftwood, and aquarium glass, actively searching for biofilm and microorganisms to feed upon.

📏 Care Requirements

🧬 Scientific Name: Homaloptera orthogoniata
📛 Common Name: Lizard Loach
🏠 Tank Size: 75L+ recommended
📏 Adult Size: ~8–12 cm
🌡️ Temperature: 20–26°C
⚗️ pH Range: 6.5–7.8
🧘 Temperament: Peaceful
🍽️ Diet: Algae, biofilm, sinking pellets, frozen foods, live foods
👥 Group Size: 4–6+ recommended

Lizard Loaches thrive in mature aquariums with strong water movement, excellent oxygenation, smooth rocks, and plenty of surfaces for grazing.

🐠 Compatibility

Ideal for peaceful community aquariums with species that enjoy similar water conditions, including danios, hillstream loaches, white cloud mountain minnows, rasboras, and other non-aggressive fish.

Avoid housing with large aggressive species that may outcompete them for food or disturb their natural behaviour.

⚠️ Important Notes

Lizard Loaches require well-oxygenated water and perform best in river-style aquariums with moderate to strong flow. They are not algae eaters alone and should be provided with a varied diet including quality sinking foods and frozen foods.

A mature aquarium with established biofilm growth will help them settle and thrive.

The Lizard Loach is a fantastic choice for UK aquarists looking for a unique, peaceful, and highly active bottom-dwelling species that brings both character and natural behaviour to a freshwater aquarium.