RARE FISH - Red Lizard, Saddleback Hillstream Loach

RARE FISH - Red Lizard, Saddleback Hillstream Loach

The Saddleback Hillstream Loach (Homaloptera orthogoniata) is a very rare and beautiful species that is native to both Malaysian...
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$49.95
$49.95
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Description
Description
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The Saddleback Hillstream Loach (Homaloptera orthogoniata) is a very rare and beautiful species that is native to both Malaysian and Indonesian Borneo. It is known for its multi-colored brown, tan, and red coloration. This fascinating, peaceful fish is primarily an algae and biofilm grazer that is an excellent candidate for the mature subtropical and tropical aquarium.

An aquarium with heavy water flow (10-15x turnover per hour) and very clean, clear water is required for the Saddleback Hillstream Loach. Like other hillstream loaches, this loach is native to shallow, clear, fast-flowing waters and it is sensitive to declines in water quality, so regular aquarium maintenance and maximum oxygen saturation are absolutely necessary.

The Saddleback Hillstream Loach is primarily a biofilm and algae grazer in nature, but it also feeds on very small crustaceans and other invertebrates. It is known to often accept frozen meaty foods, but such foods should only be part of its diet. This fish will also often accept high-quality dry foods that are rich in plant matter, but it is absolutely essential that biofilm and algae are naturally available in the aquarium to ensure its long-term health or else it may slowly starve or suffer from incomplete nutrition. As long as it is kept in a well-maintained, mature aquarium with good biofilm and algae growth as well as high water flow, the Saddleback Hillstream Loach is a hardy and entertaining fish.  It will not bother aquarium plants. In fact, Anubias species are an excellent plant to keep with this loach because Anubias can foster significant biofilm/algae growth in an aquarium with moderate to high lighting.

The Saddleback Hillstream Loach is a very social species, especially as an adult, so it should be kept in groups. Most small rasboras, tetras, hillstream loaches, gobies, and other small, peaceful fish are good tankmates for this species. Since they inhabit similar waterways, many smaller freshwater goby species are ideal tankmates as well. It can be kept with invertebrates too large to be considered prey, but dwarf shrimp might fall under the category of “potential prey items” due to the size of the Saddleback Hillstream Loach. Peaceful bottom-dwelling fish are also a possibility, but care must be taken to make sure that the Saddleback Hillstream Loach is not out-competed for food.

Little reliable information is known about the breeding habits of the Saddleback Hillstream Loach. However, it is not necessarily unlikely that it will soon be bred in the aquarium world, especially with the recent progress in breeding other loach species by many individuals.

  • Species – Homaloptera orthogoniata
  • Common Name – Red Lizard Loach, Saddleback Hillstream Loach
  • Origin – Indonesia , Combodian
  • Diet – carnivorous
  • PH Range – 6 – 7.8
  • Temperature – Tropical 24°c – 29°c
  • Breed Type – Egg Layer
  • Max Size- approximately 10cm
  • Sex – Un-sexed
  • Current Size : 5-6 CM - Maximum Size : 12.5 CM
Shipping Policy
Shipping Policy
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🚚 Shipping Policy

Betta USA Aquatic

At Betta USA Aquatic, the health and safety of your aquatic animals are our top priority. Every live animal goes through a 14-day quarantine process at our facility before shipping. We highly recommend continuing quarantine after arrival to ensure long-term health and stability.

To promote a cleaner and safer transit environment, our fish are also fasted for 3 days prior to shipping.

📦 Shipping Methods & Carriers for Live Animal  Products

We currently offer the following options for live animals and small items:

  • USPS Priority Mail – $16 (1–3 business days)

  • UPS 2nd Day Air – $32

  • UPS Next Day Air – $55 (fastest and most reliable)

📦 All shipments include tracking.

Important Notice : Shipping costs for supplies (e.g., filters, decor, tanks) are based on location, package weight, and dimensions, with discounted rates provided by Shopify.
We do not profit from these shipping charges.

🆓 Free Shipping Eligibility

  • Live Animal Orders over $150 (subtotal after discounts) qualify for FREE UPS Next Day Air shipping.

  • Dry Goods Orders over $150 (subtotal after discounts) qualify for FREE UPS Ground shipping.

  • Combined orders (live animals + dry goods) also qualify for free shipping, but will ship separately.

📦 Shipping service for live animals is based only on the subtotal of the live animal portion of your order.

📧 Want to upgrade your shipping? Email us at supports@bettaaquatic.com — we’re happy to modify your order or send a custom invoice.

⚠️ Combining multiple separate orders will void free shipping eligibility.

💡 Important Shipping Notes

  • Shipping fees are non-refundable in the event of delays caused by shipping carriers.

  • The above rates apply to live animals and live plants only.

  • Supplies ship separately, based on location, weight, and dimensions.

🚗 Local Pickup Available

📍 13004 Murphy Rd, Suite 224, Stafford, TX 77477
🕐 Open Daily: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

🧪 Split Shipments

Live animals are always shipped separately and cannot be combined with:

  • Large items (e.g., canister filters, large driftwood, aquariums)

  • Dry goods, merchandise, or apparel

📦 Orders containing both live animals and dry goods will ship in separate packages with separate tracking numbers.

📅 Weekly Shipping Schedule

Day Shipping Type
Monday Live Animals Only
Tuesday Live Animals + Dry Goods
Wednesday Live Animals Only
Thursday Dry Goods Only
Friday Dry Goods Only
Saturday Dry Goods Only

📦 We ship from Stafford, TX, to all U.S. states except Alaska and U.S. territories.

🌴 Shipping to Hawaii

Yes, we ship to Hawaii!
📌 A valid import certification or permit from the State of Hawaii is required.

📧 Please email your documentation to: supports@bettaaquatic.com

📬 Lost or “Delivered but Not Received” Packages

If your tracking shows “Delivered” but you haven’t received your package:

  1. Contact the shipping carrier or your local carrier manager immediately (same day or next).

  2. They are the best point of contact for locating your package, as they manage your local delivery route.

📌 Betta USA Aquatic is not responsible for packages once marked as “Delivered.”
However, we understand how frustrating these situations can be. Please reach out — we’ll review each case individually and may offer a fair resolution to help share the loss.

These incidents are rare, especially when using UPS Next Day Air, known for its reliability and speed.

Thank you for your trust, patience, and continued support.
Your satisfaction and the well-being of your aquatic pets mean the world to us!

🧡
– The Betta USA Aquatic Team
📧 Email: supports@bettaaquatic.com
RARE FISH - Red Lizard, Saddleback Hillstream Loach

RARE FISH - Red Lizard, Saddleback Hillstream Loach

$49.95
RARE FISH - Red Lizard, Saddleback Hillstream Loach

RARE FISH - Red Lizard, Saddleback Hillstream Loach

$49.95
Pack: Pack of 1

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Customer Reviews

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M
Michael Cooper
Betts USA Aquatic

The packaging was great! Fish came in with Ich. But I don’t blame Betta USA. Fish tend to stress sometimes during shipping. Fish came in beautiful though. I still highly recommend buying from here!

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F
Florian Fuchs
Beautiful fish

These red lizard Saddleback hillstream loaches are amazing and a beautiful addition to my tank. Thanks so much. Super fast shipping and great communication