Discovering the diversity of hillstream loaches (with pictures)

[bettaMagenta]

I only have 3 lineolata, but a bunch of smaller Hillstreams that fit the same general body style... the lizards, though, are my first real departure from that traditional look. I mean, you'd think they'd all be Gastromyzon something, but the lizards and Saddled Hillstreams seem to be a different ball game altogether. Dan's had another lizard species that they noted was more of a meat eater than a veggie lover... I'm gonna dig up that listing and share it, if I can find it... turns out it's the Green Lizard Hillstream Loach, Homalopteroides smithi.

[graye]

I kicked off with a group of four, and my tank was running at a relatively cool 21-22c - roughly 70f. I was essentially mimicking the temperature requirements for Aphyosemion killies. It seems I inadvertently created an environment that nurtured a serial killer fish personality - a phenomenon I've yet to hear about from fellow keepers. The whole ordeal was nothing short of horrific. I'm starting to wonder if I should look into the reincarnation of notorious hitmen or mercenaries from around the time I brought this fish home - perhaps there's a connection to be made.