Black Lizard Loach (Balitoropsis zollingeri)
| Black Lizard Loach Balitoropsis zollingeri | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Black Lizard Loach |
| Name Lat. | Balitoropsis zollingeri |
| Synonym | Homaloptera zollingeri |
| Family | River Loaches |
| Family lat. | Balitoridae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Habitat | Streams |
| Diet | Limnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 5-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 10 cm |
| Temperature | 20-26 °C |
| Hardness | 1-12 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 150 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 4" |
| Temperature | 68-79 °F |
| Hardness | 18-214 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 40 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The range of the Zollinger's Saddleback Loach is Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and Borneo. They live in fast-flowing, oxygen-rich mountain streams and river headwaters, preferring shallow water, among rocks, boulders and round river pebbles densely covered with algae.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have robust planting, strong lighting, a substrate of sand and round-grained gravel, large rounded stones and roots (hiding places). They need oxygenated water and a very strong current.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They eat the plant cover (growth) of stones and wood and the microorganisms contained therein. For a balanced diet, feed them once a day with a high-quality sinking dry food (granules, tablets) as well as cyclops, daphnia or mosquito larvae (live or frozen). In addition, they need vegetable food, such as crushed peas, scalded spinach or algae leaves
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are active and peaceful fish that prefer to live in groups. Socialization with other peaceful fish is possible without any problems. At least 5 Zollinger's Saddleback Loaches should be kept together. Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The females are larger and more plump than the males.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
They have large pectoral and pelvic fins, which are formed as adhesive organs and with which they can attach themselves to stones in the fast-flowing waters. When changing location, they swim only short distances, fast and shallow over the bottom, to immediately suck themselves back in.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the pollutant load has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (1997): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 5, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF