Saddleback Loach

Homaloptera orthogoniata

Freshwater South-east Asia

An exquisite torrent loach with geometric saddle patterns across its flattened body. It uses specialized pectoral fins to grip smooth river stones. It demands mature, pristine water with vigorous current and exceptionally high dissolved oxygen levels.

11 cm adult length, drawn to scale. flat body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 1 fish added.

What it needs

Item	Value	Because
Adult length	11 cm	Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank	150 L, at least 90 cm long estimated	The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish	20 L estimated	What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load	Class 2 of 5 estimated	How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature	20 to 25 C	Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH	6.5 to 7.5	Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness	GH 5 to 15, KH 3 to 8	Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow	High	Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light	Moderate	Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size	Single fish is fine	Not a schooling species.
Temperament	Peaceful	Not territorial.
Swims in	Near the bottom	Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan	About 6 years	A fish is a long commitment.
Experience	Experienced keepers only	A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Saddleback Loach is an omnivore that swims in the lowest part of the tank. It is safe with plants. Give it some cover.

Tankmates

Works with

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.