Care
Like other hillstream loach species, the Red Gecko Loach does have specialist care requirements. These striking "suckerbelly" loaches have evolved to live in extremely fast-flowing waters, where they use their pectoral and pelvic fins to form a "suction cup" in order to hang on to smooth rocks amongst rapids. This high-velocity habitat must be replicated in the home aquarium by use of extra powerheads (in addition to the return flow from filters) to create a river type effect. The surface of the water should be visibly moving to ensure that there is a very high amount of oxygenation within the water at all times. An additional air-pump is also a handy back-up. Without such a high level of oxygenation and water movement, Red Gecko Loaches will not fare well at all. These delicate fish should only be added to aquariums that are well mature. Such tanks will have a good established growth of algae for the fish to graze upon in order to consume the micro-organisms within, and will provide a source of nourishment whilst the fish may be adapting to the taking of prepared foods. The front glass can be wiped free of algae, but it is recommended that you allow algae to freely colonise the sides and back glass, and over the decor. Lighting should be bright in order to encourage a decent amount of algal growth. Ideally, the aquarium will be at least 36" long, and contain a multitude of hiding spots amongst rocks, cobbles and bogwood. Flat smooth rocks should be placed in the path of the flow, where these fish will often congregate just as they would do in their natural boulder-strewn habitats. Plants can be incorporated into the river style aquarium, but not all species will fare well under the extreme flow conditions. Having said this, many aquarists have had a good deal of success with Anubias species and Java fern (Microsorum sp.) tied to driftwood, and also some species of Cryptocoryne such as C. balansae. Plants are not found in great abundance in the natural habitat of the Red Gecko Loach, so are not considered essential, but they will help with water quality and will make the aquarium look more aesthetically pleasing. Indeed, many aquarists have observed their loaches resting on the tips of broad leaved plants, "surfing" in the current with obvious enjoyment. These extraordinary fish deserve a specialist aquarium to meet their needs. Their quirky behaviour is something totally out of the ordinary and is a real joy to observe. Aquarists often report that these peaceful loaches, once acclimatised to a eating a captive diet, will launch themselves into a feeding frenzy when they get the merest scent of food entering the aquarium. This may unnerve some tiny skittish species, but on the whole, they will mix well with numerous peaceful current-loving fish such as White Cloud Mountain Minnows and many species from the Danio family, plus other similar hillstream loach species. Red Gecko Loaches can be very sensitive to the shipping process, so be sure that your dealer rests them after import and whilst doing so, keeps them in suitable highly oxygenated conditions. The Red Gecko Loach "“ Homaloptera confuzona "“ belongs in the "Orthogoniata complex" which contains several very similar-looking species such as H. ogilviei, H. bilineata, H. parclitella, and H. orthogoniata. There can be a wide variation in pattern in several of these species, which makes identification very tricky. Experts can differentiate the various species by examining clear hi-resolution photographs of the fish, each member of this complex having scale keels of different shapes and sizes. May also be seen on sale as Red Lizard Loach.
Feeding
In addition to grazing on the natural algae in the tank (for the micro-organisms it contains) these fish will readily accept most small foods offered: frozen mosquito larvae, brineshrimp, daphnia etc, plus sinking catfish pellets and granules. Some may take flake foods, but this should not be relied upon. These fish also enjoy vegetable matter such as blanched spinach, kale, cucumber etc.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
