{"product_id":"sand-tiger-loach","title":"Sand Tiger Loach (Syncrossus hymenophysa)","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eBiosecurity Shipping Limitations apply\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eShipping Allowed?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 79.3752px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eTasmania\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eNO\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eWestern Australia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eNO\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eNorthern Territory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eNO\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 20.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 20.5938px;\"\u003eAll Other States\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 20.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 183, 31);\"\u003eYES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout the Sand Tiger Loach\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sand Tiger Loach (\u003cem\u003eSyncrossus hymenophysa\u003c\/em\u003e) is a striking and highly active freshwater loach recognised for its bold tiger-like bands, elongated body and inquisitive personality. Native to the rivers and streams of Southeast Asia, this species is best suited to experienced aquarists who can provide a spacious aquarium and carefully selected tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many smaller loaches, the Sand Tiger Loach develops a semi-aggressive temperament as it matures and establishes a social hierarchy. It is best kept in groups of five or more to disperse aggression and encourage natural behaviour. A large aquarium with fine sand, smooth rocks, driftwood and plenty of hiding places will help these energetic fish feel secure while providing room to explore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSand Tiger Loaches are enthusiastic feeders, accepting sinking pellets, frozen foods, live foods and occasional vegetable matter. Excellent filtration, strong water movement and regular maintenance are essential, as they thrive in clean, well-oxygenated water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith their impressive markings, intelligence and lively behaviour, the Sand Tiger Loach makes a fascinating centrepiece for large freshwater aquariums housing robust community species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSyncrossus hymenophysa\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSand Tiger Loach\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and surrounding regions of Southeast Asia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20–25 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSemi-aggressive, Social\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e400 Litres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e24–28°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6.0–7.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2–12 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntermediate to Advanced\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLifespan\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10–15 Years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge freshwater aquariums with robust community fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Sand Tiger Loaches suitable for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. They are better suited to experienced aquarists due to their adult size, social hierarchy and semi-aggressive behaviour, as well as their need for a large, well-maintained aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Sand Tiger Loaches live in a community aquarium?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, but only with similarly sized, confident fish. Avoid slow-moving or timid species, as Sand Tiger Loaches can become dominant as they mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Sand Tiger Loaches eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are omnivores and readily accept quality sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, earthworms, live foods and occasional vegetable-based foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow large do Sand Tiger Loaches grow?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdults commonly reach between 20 and 25 cm, making them unsuitable for small aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShould Sand Tiger Loaches be kept alone?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. They are social fish and should be kept in groups of at least five whenever possible. Group living helps establish a natural hierarchy and reduces aggression towards individual fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo Sand Tiger Loaches eat snails?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They will readily consume small snails and are often used to help control pest snail populations, although they still require a balanced diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping Them in Small Aquariums\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese active fish require plenty of swimming space. Cramped conditions often lead to stress, increased aggression and poor long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHousing Them With Timid Fish\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall or shy tank mates can be bullied or outcompeted for food. Choose robust species with similar activity levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping Too Few Individuals\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA single Sand Tiger Loach or pair may become overly aggressive. Maintaining a proper group helps spread dominance and encourages natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eUsing Sharp Gravel\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir sensitive barbels can be damaged on coarse substrates. Fine sand or smooth gravel is the best choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eNeglecting Water Quality\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey require clean, oxygen-rich water with efficient filtration and regular water changes to remain healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFeeding an Incomplete Diet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet containing quality pellets, frozen foods and live foods supports healthy growth, vibrant colouration and overall wellbeing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48853897805963,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/2c7e3ade-0d21-4aac-90a5-4c2256ec4349_25b71b5a-8f2b-4006-84bf-d42e5bdbb9b0.png?v=1786001782","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/sand-tiger-loach","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}