Lizard Loach (Homalopteroides smithi)
Fish in the family Balitoridae. Hard care. Freshwater.
Quick facts
Scientific nameHomalopteroides smithi
FamilyBalitoridae
Also known asSmith's Lizard Loach, Hillstream Loach, Homaloptera smithi
Care levelHard
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentPeaceful
Dietcarnivore
Adult size2.5 in
Minimum tank size20 gallons
Water parametersTemp 70-77°F, pH 6.0-7.5, GH 2-10 dGH
Appearance
Small slender lizard-like body with paired pectoral fins held flat and a mottled brown camouflage pattern.
Difficulty and care for the Lizard Loach
Hard
Origin and habitat
Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Keeper notes
Peaceful but delicate and slow to feed; keep with calm tankmates that won't outcompete it. Eats small invertebrates.
Log Lizard Loach in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Lizard Loach alongside everything else in your reef.