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Torrent LoachFamily: Balitoridae
This loach, Homaloptera Bilineata is a rare find to the aquarist. Being as handsome as it is, it will hopefully become more available and earn a common name!The loaches in the Homaloptera genus have been known as the Torrent Loaches, and are sometimes referred to as 'gecko' or 'lizard' fish. This is because they come from cool fast-moving streams and are able to cling to various surfaces. There are are several in this genera that are more common to the aquarist such as Homaloptera orthogoniat, also called the the Saddle Back Loach or the Clown Torrent Loach. Similar to the other Torrent Loaches, Homaloptera Bilineata has a brownish red background coloring. Like the Saddle Back Loach it also sports a pair of dark stripes running through the eyes and back around the dorsal fin, but from here the black markings vary. This loach has strong dark, rather blotchy linear markings running along the top, from the dorsal fin through the tail fin. Homaloptera bilineata Loaches will do best in a cooler "river" type aquarium with good water movement, subdued lighting, and regular water changes. Provide a fine gravel or sand substrate that does not have sharp edges. Be sure to provide plenty of hiding and resting places created with round river type rocks and driftwood. A moderate amount of plants can be a nice addition but leave a large open area for swimming. They are peaceful community fish and enjoy other less aggressive tank mates. They also enjoy the company of their own species and are best kept in a group of five to seven, with the suggested minimum being three. For more Information on keeping this fish see:
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| Geographic Distribution Homaloptera bilineata |
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| Point data provided by FishBase.org |
Since they are omnivorous, the Homaloptera Bilineata Loach will generally eat all kinds of live foods, sinking pelleted and tablet foods, flakes, and algae. They like frozen foods as well. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake or tablet food everyday. Feed mosquito larvae, brine shrimp (either live or frozen), tubifex, daphnia, and some vegetable foods such as algae wafers.
This fish will do well in a larger aquarium (ideally 30 gallons or so) with good water movement, subdued lighting, and places for retreat such as rocks, caves, and roots. They do best in soft to medium, slightly acidic water with frequent water changes of about 10% a week. The substrate used can be sand or small gravel that does not have sharp edges.
Distribution:
These loaches, Homaloptera Bilineata, are found in in Asia.
Size - Weight:
These fish can reach up to about 2 1/2 - 4" (6.25 -
10 cm).
Social Behaviors:
A good community fish, they are peaceful and will do well
with non-aggressive tank mates as well as enjoy other members of their
own species. It is recommended that they be kept in groups of at least
3, with larger groups of five to seven being ideal.
Sexual Differences:
Unknown
Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
These fish are mostly bottom dwellers.
Acceptable Water Conditions:
Hardness: soft to moderately hard, 2 - 12° dH
Ph: 6.5 - 7.0
Temp: 68 - 78° F (22 - 26° C)
Breeding/Reproduction:
They are not yet bred commercially.
Availability:
The Homaloptera bilineata Loaches are only rarely available.
Comments from people who have kept this fish:
Author: Clarice Brough. CFS.
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