Syncrossus helodes | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Cypriniformes |
Family: | Botiidae |
Genus: | Syncrossus |
Species: | S. helodes |
Binomial name | |
Syncrossus helodes (Sauvage, 1876) | |
Synonyms | |
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Syncrossus helodes, commonly known as banded loach, tiger botia or lesser katy loach, is a freshwater fish in the loach family Botiidae. It is native to rivers in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. [2] S. helodes resembles S. hymenophysa from Borneo, Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia, and the two have frequently been confused. It differs from the latter species by the absence of a dark spot on the dorsal fin, 10–12 bars on body without blue borders (instead of 12–15 blue-bordered bars) and the presence of irregular dark markings on the lower body. [3]
It is the largest member of the tiger botia group, which like its close relatives, is aggressive and unsuitable for community aquariums. This species, like other Syncrossus , must be maintained in groups of five or more in order to spread any aggression and to allow the fish to form a natural hierarchy.[ citation needed ]
This species has been known to grow up to 25–30 cm (9.8–11.8 in) long. Its preferred water parameters are pH of 7.0 or below; hardness: Soft and slightly acidic is best; dGH: < 12 degrees. This fish thrives in temperatures of 77 to 86 °F (25 to 30 °C). Syncrossus helodes loses some of its young colouration as it matures. [4]
Mature females probably have a rounder abdomen compared to males. Breeding is not known to have occurred in aquaria. Presumably a seasonal, migratory spawner in nature. [3]